Nugent wants to meet with Illinois gov

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Rocker Ted Nugent is upset with Illinois gun laws and is challenging Gov. Rod Blagojevich to meet with him at the Illinois State Fair.

Speaking in Minneapolis this week, Nugent -- not shy about his pro-gun views -- said he wants to meet the governor backstage before his Aug. 11 state fair appearance.

Nugent told the Springfield State Journal-Register: "I challenge him to come backstage. And let's talk ... good over evil, let's talk laws forcing good people to be unarmed and helpless."

Nugent said he's mainly upset with an Illinois law prohibiting retired police officers from carrying concealed weapons.

"How in God's green earth can a governor not allow retired professional heroes of law enforcement to carry guns?" Nugent asked. "There's no answer for that. Any attempt to answer that question would expose a person for the buffoon he is.

The newspaper noted a bill allowing retired officers to carry concealed firearms wasn't passed by the legislature this year. Since the bill never reached Blagojevich's desk, his stand on the issue is unclear.