Rich Morthland (R-Cordova), a member of the Rock Island County Board and candidate for the open 71st House District seat, responded to today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald v. City of Chicago, which overturns Chicago’s decades-old handgun ban.

“I am pleased that the Supreme Court has reaffirmed one of the most basic rights of American citizens,” Morthland said. “I am a firm believer in the right of all law-abiding Americans to possess and bear arms.

“The Court’s decision clearly demonstrates that the 2nd Amendment applies equally to all citizens, regardless of where they live. People have the absolute right to protect their families and property from violent criminals. This decision will not only affect Chicago, but will serve as an additional protection for law-abiding gun owners throughout Illinois.

“The City of Chicago’s gun ban, while well-intentioned, served only to keep guns away from law-abiding citizens. Americans should be able to exercise their right to bear arms with only minimal interference from the state. To do otherwise would be a violation of our basic rights as citizens.”

For questions or more information, please contact the Committee to Elect Rich Morthland at (309) 654-2229 or via e-mail at electmorthland@gmail.com.