Morrison Receives Brady PAC of Illinois Endorsement

DEERFIELD, IL – On Wednesday, Democratic candidate for state Senate, Julie Morrison, received the full endorsement of Brady PAC of Illinois, the state’s largest gun control advocacy group.  State Representative Karen May (D-Highland Park) was also on hand to lend Morrison her support and highlight the National Rifle Association’s power in Springfield. “The Illinois State Police, a number of universities, and countless others are all against concealed carry legislation but they lack the money and clout of the NRA,” May said.  “Susan Garrett and I are proud to support Julie Morrison who will actively work to counter the NRA in Springfield.”                   

“Our community wants better gun laws that will actually protect citizens instead of putting more guns on the street,” Morrison said.  “Over 20 years ago, I had the pleasure to meet Jim Brady.  He and I discussed the importance of standing up against extreme views on guns in our country.  Today, I am proud to voice my opposition to concealed carry legislation, call for better gun laws in our state, and receive the endorsement of Brady PAC Illinois.”  

Julie Morrison is seeking to replace retiring state Senator Susan Garrett.  The 29th District will cover parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff.  In June, Morrison signed the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence’s statement of principle.  The principle asks for candidates to endorse the principle that convicted felons, convicted domestic abusers, terrorists, and people found to be dangerously mentally ill should not be allowed to buy, own, or carry a gun. 

“I respect the rights of hunters and sportsmen, but there are extremely dangerous proposals being pushed by the NRA and other pro-gun organizations,” Morrison said.  “Our community does not want concealed weapons in our parks nor does it want violent citizens to have access to guns.  My opponent and I have very different opinions on assault weapons and concealed carry legislation.  I think it is indicative of the difference of our values.”  

The Brady PAC of Illinois is Illinois largest gun control advocacy group and the local chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.  The national organization was originally founded by Illinois native and former White House Press Secretary, Jim Brady.  Brady was rendered permanently disabled after taking a bullet during an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.  The group advocates for stronger gun safety laws including the ban of military-style assault weapons, requiring background checks on gun sales, and strengthening law enforcement efforts to stop the illegal gun trade.  Brady PAC of Illinois backs candidates who support sensible gun laws.   

“As a victim of gun violence, I am happy to endorse Julie Morrison for state Senate.  Julie is clearly a woman of action and not platitudes,” said Tom Vanden Berk, Chairman of Brady PAC of Illinois.  “Too often, we only hear empty rhetoric from politicians.  Julie is a candidate of action who will stand up to the NRA lobby in Springfield and fight for common sense gun control laws; her opponent would put us in harm’s way.”