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WI: May Be Joining the 40 Shall Issue States With New Governor
Wisconsin governor election may decide concealed handgun carry issue
Republican Scott Walker supports it; Democrat Tom Barrett opposes itcedavis@greenbaypressgazette.comIn 1999, Morley said he was nearly robbed at a bus stop on Chicago's South Side on his way home from work.
"There were several people on the bus stop that just stood and watched," said Morley, who was born with cerebral palsy. The suspect eventually left when he didn't get any money.
Before that incident, Morley said he visited gun ranges on occasion. After that, however, he started to look into carrying a gun for self-defense.
Morley and other gun rights activists are looking to the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election with the hope that the state soon will pass a law that allows gun owners to carry concealed firearms.
Wisconsin now requires handguns to be clearly displayed in a holster. Carrying a concealed weapon is a misdemeanor and carries a fine of $500, plus court costs.
People with guns must not be within 1,000 feet of a school zone, state park, government building, or a place serving alcohol. Business owners are allowed to refuse entry to anyone openly carrying a handgun because it is not a protected class, such as race or sex.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker has said he would sign a bill allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms, despite voting against a bill as a state representative to make such a practice legal in the state.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett has said he supports the right to bear arms, but carrying a concealed handgun presents public safety concerns.
Gov. Jim Doyle has previously vetoed bills that would allow for concealed carry.
Morley believes the next governor will be faced with a concealed carry bill.
Morley lives in Suring and is a member of Wisconsin Carry Inc., a gun rights group. The group has filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the constitutionally of the state's gun-free school zone statute, arguing that it is too broad.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen issued a memorandum last year that said openly carrying a gun does not warrant a charge of disorderly conduct.
Morley, 43, said he's been the victim of other robbery attempts so he carries a loaded 9 mm pistol when out late or in rough areas. A concealed carry law would decrease violent crimes, he said.
"People ask me why I carry and for me, it's no different than having a fire extinguisher or locking your doors at night. For me, it's just another level of being prepared," Morley said.
Wisconsin and Illinois are the only states that prohibit citizens from carrying a concealed handgun.Lt. Jim Runge of the Green Bay Police Department. Police, however, don't receive many reports from residents concerned over people legally carrying handguns, he said.
If a concealed carry law is passed, Runge said the department would deal with it.
"Now, we're running into situations where (off-duty) officers from other jurisdictions want to get in a sporting venue, and we won't allow them to carry inside."
Officials said loaded firearms always present a threat, due to terrorist attacks and school and business shootings.
A felon cannot possess a firearm, and handgun purchases require a background check. However, they do not require registration, permits or training.
In a vehicle, firearms must be unloaded, cased, and out of the driver's reach.
I would suggest:
). WI & IL stick out like red sore thumbs, and I like it that way (because that sort of thing will heal soon) 
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