State Treasurer Dan Rutherford said he thinks any discussion on an assault weapons ban in Illinois should come down to the definitions. (Photo courtesy of Rutherford's Facebook page)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - While Governor Quinn pushes for an assault weapons ban in Illinois, one Republican toying with the idea of running for governor is hesitant to say he'd support it.

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford said it all depends on the definitions of the weapons.

"Military-style assault weapons, I mean that's a scary thought for anyone to think that there's an individual that could carry those around," Rutherford said. "I think it gets into definition of what it is, and this is where I think that a lot of time debate deviates. The main concern is what causes this."

Rutherford said the attention needs to be on identifying and helping people with mental illness. And, he said this isn't the best time to made decisions because the discussion right now is more emotional than factual.

PODCAST: Listen to Rutherford's interview with WJBC's Scott Laughlin and Colleen Reynolds

"I can't think of many more laws we need, truthfully in regards to weapons and guns and stuff. Maybe there's something where we can find one or two, and if there is then maybe we can address that," Rutherford said.

Gov. Pat Quinn wants lawmakers to consider an assault weapons ban when they return during the Lame Duck session in January.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.