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Officials Push for Assault Weapons Ban

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley are leading another charge for a state ban on so-called assault weapons.

The legislation would outlaw high-powered, rapid-firing military style guns, and would replace a Clinton-era federal ban that recently expired.

Illinois State Rep. Eddie Acevedo is sponsoring the bill.

Gov. Blagojevich says state legislation failed the last time around because a number of lawmakers were afraid to vote for it.

He says they worried pro-gun groups might find candidates to challenge them in this year’s primary elections.

Blagojevich says with primary election deadlines passed, he’s received promises from several legislators to support a state assault weapons ban if it’s proposed again.

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