(Springfield, VA)--Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund today announced the endorsement of Joe Walsh for Congress in Illinois’ 14th District.

Illinois will lose a House seat through reapportionment, leading to a matchup of Reps. Walsh and Randy Hultgren in a March 2012 primary.

“Congressman Walsh is a leader on Second Amendment issues, plain and simple,” said GOA Vice Chairman Tim Macy. “When it comes to defending the right to keep and bear arms, Joe Walsh is at the forefront of the battle and was the clear choice in our decision to endorse.”

“During his long tenure as an elected figure, Randy Hultgren has shown little interest in upholding gun rights,” said Macy. “Walsh, on the other hand, is a true defender of the Second Amendment who in his short time in Congress has already become a leading voice for gun owners all across America.”

Rep. Walsh is a cosponsor of two concealed carry reciprocity bills in the U.S. House, and he recently chided his own state for trampling the gun rights of its citizens.

“We are an embarrassment (in Illinois),” Walsh said. “We are the last state standing when it comes to concealed carry.” Although Illinois is the only state that will not benefit from congressional legislation, Walsh hopes that the passage of national reciprocity will spur his state to action.

Recently, the freshman Congressman became the first member of Congress to officially call for Attorney General Eric Holder’s resignation because of the growing Fast and Furious scandal. More than 30 members of Congress have since joined the call for Holder to step down.

“The American people deserve to know the truth regarding Attorney General Eric Holder’s knowledge and role in the Fast and Furious operation,” said Walsh in a statement.  “This program was deliberately designed to attack law-abiding American gun owners and gun dealers. Why else would an anti-gun Administration force licensed firearms dealers to sell guns to violent criminals?”

The Illinois representative is also extremely concerned about the United Nations “Arms Trade Treaty” (ATT), a comprehensive arms control measure that could severely impact American gun rights. A final version of the treaty is expected to come out of the UN in mid-2012 and be presented to member states for ratification.

“There’s no way the United States should be restricted by any international law,” Walsh said. “It amazes me that we’re even looking into it.” He is pursuing legislative options to head off the ATT, including cutting U.S. funds to the UN.

“Our gun rights frequently come under attack in Washington,” said GOA’s Mr. Macy. “Gun owners and sportsmen around the country have a trusted friend in Congressman Walsh.

“Gun Owners of America is proud to make this endorsement, and we encourage friends of the Second Amendment from Illinois and around the country to stand with Rep. Walsh with their encouragement and financial support as well.”