Gun control at center of Second Congressional District debate

Democratic candidates for Illinois' vacant 2^nd District Congressional seat participated in a forum at GSU's Center for Performing Arts on February 7.

Fox 32's Political Analyst, Mike Flannery moderated the event and was joined by Alderman Anthony Beale (Chicago), Robin Kelly (Matteson), Anthony Williams (Dolton), Gregory Haynes (Lynwood), Charles Rayburn (Dolton), Fatimah Muhammad (Chicago), Former U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson (Crete), Larry  Pickens (Chicago), Victor Johnson (Country Club Hills), and State senator Toi Hutchinson (Olympia Fields).

Each of the candidates was given the opportunity to voice their position on various issues including health care, energy, the economy, immigration, and gun control.

Last month, President Obama unveiled a proposal aimed at strengthening gun control. The proposal includes universal background checks for all gun buyers and an all-out ban on "military style" assault weapons.

"No law can prevent every senseless act, but laws can be valuable if it can prevent one attack. If there is even one life that can be saved, we've got an obligation to try it," said Obama.

According to a recent New York Times article, Chicago recorded 18 homicides within the first 10 days of 2013 and the city is on track to outpace New York, Los Angeles, and some other large cities.

In light of the city of Chicago's recent struggles with gun violence and its having one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, the candidates were asked whether or not they would support a ban on assault weapons.

At a time when many are predicting that conceal and carry laws will be enacted in Illinois, former state representative, Robin Kelly voiced her objection.

"When will we say enough is enough with all the killing in Chicago and all the mass murders around the country," Kelly said. "It takes a village, access to mental healthcare, after school programs, boys and girls clubs. It takes parents knowing where their kids are and good jobs so that people don't have to look at other means of support.

State senator, Toi Hutchinson agrees and believes that the country is calling for common sense safety legislation right now.  "9 out of every 10 Americans understand that with rights come responsibilities. We are not going after 2^nd amendment rights, we are actually going after the safety of our entire community," said Hutchinson.

Both Kelly and Hutchinson announced that they will stand firmly with the president and support his agenda on gun control.

Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale also called for tougher restrictions and gun laws.

Beale believes that second tier gun exchange poses the biggest problem. "If you have a car and sell that car you have to transfer the title, we should have the same thing with guns so we can track the guns whereabouts," he said.

Former U.S. Representative, Debbie Halvorson agreed to support universal background checks but expressed her opposition to an assault weapons ban. Halvorson put forward that an honest conversation on the culture of violence is needed.

"It is not just about guns...We need to talk about the fact that the state has cut 187 million dollars out of the mental health budget, nobody is talking about that. We also need to talk about the fact that the city has closed down half of the mental health facilities in the city," said Halvorson. Halvorson added, "I refuse to support any wide ranging law that is going to harm a law abiding citizen until we do something that is going to go after the criminal."

Other candidates communicated more of a moderate stance.

Fatimah Muhammad believes that gun laws can be structured similarly to motor vehicle laws.

"We have a lot of policies and rules about where we can drive an 18-wheeler truck or a tractor, so gun use and ownership should be related to where you are. In an urban area, there is really no need for high capacity weapons," said Muhammad.  

The Congressional seat in Illinois' 2^nd District was held for 17 years by Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a Chicago democrat who resigned in November, citing health reasons.

The primary election takes place on February 26, with the special election following on April 9.

There are currently 16 candidates vying for the congressional seat, 12 democrats and 4 republicans.