Mike Madigan and his Democratic Party of Illinois have apparently decided to declare all-out war on the the state's law-abiding hunters and sportsmen. This state of war has become very evident in the past few weeks as radically anti-gun campaign materials began circulating in key suburban races. The extremist nature of these campaign pieces and statements made by campaign workers will certainly turn back the clock on any progress made to build a bi-partisan approach to outdoor sporting policy issues.

One example of the extreme position taken by Madigan-backed candidates may be found in the 96th District House race. In that race, Democratic candidate Dianne McGuire has expressed support for a bill that would result in the ban and confiscation of most, if not all of the rifles, pistols and shotguns lawfully owned by Illinois citizens. McGuire campaign literature also states the she opposes allowing law-abiding Illinois to carry defensive firearms to protect home and family. McGuire campaign workers have also told Naperville residents that McGuire plans to utilize the Illinois EPA and State Police to shut down the Naperville Sportsman's Club - a century-old trapshooting facility located near the heart of the city.The controversial McGuire campaign piece may be seen by clicking here.

Anti-gun extremism has also reared its head in the 43rd House District Race where Democratic candidate Keith Farnham is attempting to unseat incumbent Representative Ruth Munson. According to Farnham campaign literature, he supports punishing lawful firearm owners by increasing waiting periods on firearm purchases and forcing firearm owners to comply with a complex patchwork of local laws rather than uniform state-wide standards. Farnham literature may be seen by clicking here.

It is now very apparent that abolishing private firearm ownership has become the official policy of the Democratic Party of Illinois. This increasingly antagonistic approach by the Democratic party towards lawful firearm owners underscores the need to change the complexion of the Illinois General Assembly in 2010.

The ISRA Political Victory Fund recently announced its 2008 list of endorsed and preferred candidates. Endorsement is the highest candidate rating granted by the ISRA-PVF and is reserved for those candidates who have shown reliable and unwavering support for issues of interest to the state's law-abiding firearm owners.

Likewise, ISRA-PVF "preferred" candidates have also shown themselves to be supporters of the outdoor sports and the rights of law-abiding individuals to own the firearms of their choosing. Unlike endorsed candidates, preferred candidates often lack adequate legislative history to earn endorsed status. Not all races are rated. In cases where both candidates are equally good or equally bad, or in cases where not much is known about candidates, then a "no preference" rating is applied.

This election cycle, the ISRA-PVF is very pleased to have had the opportunity to select a number of fine members of the Illinois General Assembly for endorsement. Over in the House, we've endorsed great friends to the outdoor sportsman such as Mike Bost (R-115), Lisa Dugan (D-79), Brent Hassert (R-85), and Brandon Phelps (D-118). Among Senate candidates endorsed this year are Christine Radogno (R-41), Gary Forby (D-59), Dan Rutherford (R-53), and Linda Holmes (D-42).

In all, 68 candidates in house and senate races were endorsed while another 21 candidates received the ISRA-PVF "preferred" rating. The healthy mix of Democratic and Republican candidates selected for endorsement and preferred status is testimony to the solid bi-partisan support that the shooting sports and private firearm ownership enjoy in the Illinois General Assembly.

Over the years, ISRA-PVF endorsed and preferred candidates have done very well at the ballot box - with over 90% of rated candidates winning their respective elections. To see a complete list of rated candidates, please click the "Ratings" link at the top of the page and please remember to vote for the ISRA endorsed and preferred candidates on November 4th!

Once Election Day 2008 has passed, the ISRA-PVF will be turning its attention to the 2010 elections. You can be sure that 2010 will be a very important year as the state's governor and constitutional officers all come up for election as do numerous senators and the entire house of representatives.

If Illinois does not have concealed carry by 2010, it will be high time to clean house - literally. Election Day 2010 may be our best chance to remove from office those legislators who think it is more important to protect criminals from us, than it is to protect us from criminals. It will be our best chance to say adios to those legislators who have supported Blagojevich in his trashing of the DNR. It'll be our best chance to dismantle the Daley Gun Grabbing Machine once and for all.

Over the next 24 months, we'll be working hard to keep you informed on what's happening on the 2010 election scene. We'll also be informing you on how you can help us, and the candidates we support, achieve success. Remember, the 2010 election season starts November 5th!

There is only one person who can save your guns from confiscation by the Daley Gun Grabbing Machine - and that person is you. The ISRA-PVF is here to help you save your guns by providing logistical and financial support to pro-gun candidates. But, the help that we're able to offer friendly candidates is a mere drop in the bucket compared to what the antigun politicians get from wealthy foundations and Hollywood celebrities.

The bottom line is this...it's going to take a lot of money to win elections in 2010 and we need to start building our war chest now. We can't win without your generosity. So please, take some time today to help us be victorious in 2010. Click on the "Donation" link at the top of this page, download the donation form, and send it along with your gift to the address indicated on the form.

Remember - only you can save your guns. Make an investment in your heritage - donate to the ISRA-PVF today.

The ISRA Political Victory Fund is a Political Action Committee affiliated with the Illinois State Rifle Association. Donations to the ISRA-PVF are not tax deductible. A copy of our report is available for a fee from the Illinois State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.