Yesterday the Illinois concealed handgun bill went down to defeat.  The measure fell 6 votes short of the required supermajority.  For a state wide law to pass in that state and therefore take precedence over local laws, it has to pass with a supermajority.  Therefore even though the vote was 65 to 32 in favor of the measure, Illinois criminals don't have to worry about encountering lawfully armed citizens.  The season is still open and citizens are not allowed to provide for their own self defense.

"That particular bill is one that will not in any way protect public safety. It'll do the opposite," Quinn said.

The Democratic governor drew strong disagreement from the gun bill's sponsor, Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg: "We are at the criminals' mercy."

Democratic Rep. Edward Acevedo, a veteran Chicago police officer, said the legislation would have made police work more dangerous. Officers currently know that a thug on the street with a gun is breaking the law, he said, but the bill would require police to first figure out who has a permit and who doesn't.

"That delay will make a big difference and that difference could be fatal to that officer," Acevedo said.

Of course it is more important to make the jobs of police easier than it is to allow people to exercise their constitutionally  protected rights.  That is certainly the more pressing need.  Phelps is right, the citizens of Illinois are at the mercy of criminals.  Remember that during the next election.

References:

• Chicago Tribune