Illinois Carry?

It passed out of a panel 11-1:

• A state House panel is recommending that the General Assembly give Illinois residents the right to carry concealed weapons.

  The two proposals are expected to garner opposition from Chicago-area lawmakers, who have expressed concern about increased gun violence.

  The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last summer overturning a handgun ban in Washington D.C., and an endorsement of concealed carry by the Illinois Sheriffs' Association has given a boost to supporters of a concealed weapon law.

  House Bill 245, sponsored by Marion Democratic Rep. John Bradley, would allow the Illinois State Police to issue the permits. It was endorsed Wednesday on an 11-1 vote, with Democratic state Rep. Julie Hamos of Evanston the lone opponent.

It's a shift no matter how you slice it. Hopefully, the down-staters lead the charge and force the issue this session.