Robin Kelly releases television ad that spotlights plan to reduce gun violence

Robin Kelly, candidate for the 2nd Illinois Congressional District, has released her first television ad today, focusing on her commitment to addressing the issue of gun violence. The spot is entitled “Worth It” and highlights Kelly’s history of cracking down on illegal gun sales and her promise to stand up to the NRA and get deadly weapons off our streets (Click here to see video).

The spot underscores the key difference in this race: Robin Kelly is the only candidate we can trust to take on the gun lobby and pass meaningful reform in Congress. Unlike her opponents in this race, Kelly has a lifetime "F" rating from the NRA and has never sought the endorsement or support of pro-gun groups.

Robin Kelly releases television ad that spotlights plan to reduce gun violenceRobin Kelly releases television ad that spotlights plan to reduce gun violence

While the spot does not name her two main opponents, it makes clear that Robin Kelly's record on "gun control" has been consistent.

Robin Kelly has a long history of supporting "common sense gun control." Kelly's very first bill as a Illinois state legislator in the House criminalized the straw purchase of firearms. In the Illinois Senate, one of the bill's co-sponsors was a bright, up-and-coming state senator, Barack Obama. The bill passed the Illinois House 112 to 4 and became effective on Aug. 7, 2003.

It didn't stop there with Robin Kelly. Feb. 4, 2005, she proposed the "Assault Weapons Control Law." The bill sought to make the manufacture, distribution, transport, sale, import or transfer of an assault weapon a Class 2 Felony. Fourteen days later, she co-sponsored an amendment to Firearms Owners Identification Card Act to ensure that those who sell firearms first pass a background check before being allowed to sell or transfer.

In March of the same year, 2005, Robin co-sponsored the Firearms Dealer Licensing Act, making it a felony to sell or transfer firearms without a license. On May 29, 2005, Robin co-sponsored the Firearms Act, which strengthened several aspects related to Firearms Owners Identification Cards. The Act passed and became effective July 29, 2005.

So is it any wonder that Robin Kelly would receive a grade of "F" from the ISRA and the NRA.

By contrast, Illinois State Senator Toi Hutchinson and former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson had publically refused to release their National Rifle Association (NRA) questionnaires they filled out in previous elections. The Chicago Tribune obtained a copy of Toi Hutchinson's questionnaire and from her answers it was clear which side Hutchinson of the gun question she stood.

Debbie Halvorson also has not released her NRA questionnaire, however, she has made it clear that she is with the NRA, having won the NRA endorsement and wearing it like a "badge of honor."

So is it any wonder that Debbie Halvorson and Toi Hutchinson would receive a grade of "A" from the ISRA and the NRA.

The "A" from the gun lobby is for excellence in voting for the interests of the gun lobby. Which helps the gun manufacturers make big profits, at the expense of human life.

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John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African-American studies, published by The Elevator Group Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots: How Barack Obama, Two Bookstore Owners, and 300 Volunteers did it. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books