2016 Election Results In Win For Gun Lobby At The Top, But Not In Illinois

CHICAGO - Nov. 9, 2016 - PRLog -- Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC) celebrates success as over 77% of endorsed candidates are elected into office. Thirty-eight candidates committed to protecting our children, families and communities from gun violence will begin serving terms in the Illinois General Assembly in January. This victory is supported by G-PAC, a non-partisan political action committee dedicated to electing a gun safety majority in Springfield.

"At the federal level, many are left uneasy after last night's election results. Trump has resolved to eliminate gun-free zones – that means guns in schools, hospitals, airports and houses of worship.  At a state level, now more than ever, we need to focus on legislation that will keep us safe," said G-PAC Executive Director, Kathleen Sances. "The Illinois victories send a resounding message to politicians that Illinois voters are a force to be reckoned with and we are going to win no matter how long it takes."

Annually in Illinois, over 1,000 people are killed by gun violence and the majorityof those crimes are committed with an illegally obtained gun. The tragedy and devastation imposed by this epidemic on our communities and families is unimaginable – it is the awful price that we are forced to pay for an epidemic and culture of gun violence that has been allowed to flourish without regulation or accountability for far too long.

"There is an unarguable need for immediate action to close loopholes in existing state laws that allow felons and other dangerous people to access guns and terrorize local communities. While Illinois pauses for a nod toward state victories, the fight is invigorated and fully charged to make Illinois, specifically Chicago, a safer place," Sances continues.

The full list of G-PAC endorsed candidates celebrating victories includes:

ILLINOIS SENATE

Omar Aquino, 2

Patricia Van Pelt, 5

Heather Steans, 7

Christina Castro, 22

Laura Murphy, 28

Julie Morrison, 29

Melinda Bush, 31

ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Theresa Mah, 2

Cynthia Soto, 4

Juliana Stratton, 5

Sonya Harper, 6

Chris Welch, 7

Arthur Turner, 9

Ann Williams, 11

Sara Feigenholtz, 12

Kelly Cassidy, 14

John D'Amico, 15

Lou Lang, 16

Laura Fine, 17

Robyn Gabel, 18

Barbara Flynn Currie, 25

Christian Mitchell, 26

Monique Davis, 27

Thaddeus Jones, 29

Elgie R. Sims, Jr., 34

Will Guzzardi, 39

Jaime Andrade, Jr., 40

Anna Moeller, 43

Deb Conroy, 46

Martin Moylan, 55

Michelle Mussman, 56

Elaine Nekritz, 57

Scott Drury, 58

Kathleen Willis, 77

Stephanie Kifowit, 84

Natalie Manley, 98

Carol Ammons, 103

Gun violence isn't just costing lives.  Chicago taxpayers are estimated to spend a shocking $2.5 billion per year on the issue, all the while, the gun industry continues to make record profits of $12 million per year.  The financial strain, coupled with the lives lost, further solidifies that our newly elected officials have a heavy challenge ahead in the quest for change. While the battle will be tough, we will courageously forge ahead in positive anticipation that change is upon us.

Overall, G-PAC endorsed 50 candidates this election cycle, all with the courage to stand up to the gun lobby in Springfield.  While this election proves victorious for ending the tragic epidemic of gun violence in Illinois, the work is not done until we have common sense gun laws across the state. It is our goal that these newly elected officials fulfill their promises and create the change necessary to save lives.

About G-PAC:

The Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee (G-PAC) is a nonpartisan political action committee dedicated to electing public officials with the courage to stand up to the gun lobby. G-PAC emerged to counter the political influence of the gun industry and its unhealthy clout with local legislation. By providing strategic campaign support to committed legislators, G-PAC aims to protect communities from the gun violence epidemic that takes an average of 1000 lives each year in Illinois.

With support from a growing coalition of legislators committed to ending this epidemic, G-PAC fights for the passage of sensible gun safety measures, favored by gun owners and non-gun owners alike. These measures include lifesaving legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of criminals, gang members, domestic abusers, and the dangerously mentally ill. For more information about G-PAC, to donate or see the full list of endorsed candidates, visit http://gpacillinois.com/about-gpac/.