Metro East Sun

Dwight Kay is at a loss to understand why so many lawmakers seem intent on taking away what he sees as a fundamental right of every citizen.

“I don’t see why we’re spending so much time in this state concentrating on taking away firearms from people,” Kay told the Metro East Sun. “I see Illinois doing nothing but making gun ownership more difficult for law-abiding citizens and it grieves me.”

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that roughly one-fourth of all of Illinois’ 102 counties have recently passed so-called “gun sanctuary” resolutions or similar measures, and even more counties are slated to consider similar proposals in the weeks ahead.

Rep. Katie Stuart

The term “gun sanctuary” is a spinoff from the word “sanctuary city,” which is intended to describe cities where political leaders steadfastly refuse to work hand-and-hand with federal immigration workers in enforcing all immigration laws.   

As the next step in promoting their position, "gun sanctuary" proponents have banded to pass resolutions against measures they deride as unconstitutional.  As part of the campaign, supporters have declared such bills as those that would increase the legal age to own a gun and prohibit ownership of an assault rifle unconstitutional, even as noncompliance with any law passed could lead to penalties up to the gun owner being classified as a felon.

Kay said he sees longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) as being behind much of the debauchery and he’s convinced the time has come for taxpayers to stand up to the longest-serving state House speaker in U.S. history.

“Things like this are blown up to be such big issues because we don’t want to talk about the serious issues like our budget and all our growing debt,” said Kay, running against incumbent Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in Illinois’ 112th House District. 

“I saw where there was a bill that recently passed the House and Senate where a person can call 911 on a neighbor after hearing confusion coming from the home and the police can come and take away the person’s guns. That’s an example of something very dangerous, because that’s not due process.”

If elected, Kay said he will work hard to make sure all gun owners are granted the protections assured to them by the constitution.

“Down here in Southern Illinois, for (the) most part, you won’t find anyone to sign off on anything like this,” he said.  “Right now, there are things we’re stepping all over in regards to the 2nd Amendment and that needs to be stopped before it goes any further.”