They were not blind/ignorant. This was not a case of "hiring" a lobbyist. Illinois Firearms Manufacturers Association was created by, and owned by, Springfield Armory and Rock River Arms. No other manufacturers are members. Guess who the big wheels in the Association are?
Dennis Reese - Director, and CEO of Springfield Armory
Tom Reese - Director, and Chairman of the Board at Springfield Armory
Chuck Larson - Director, and Founder of Rock River Arms
Jay Keller - Executive Director
There is no possibility that they did not know what Keller was doing.
It is possible. Lets say that Glock and Danial Defense got to Jay Keller, paid him off to get a sweet carve out from the IL law for SA and RRA knowing that if it was discovered both SA and RRA would lose market share that they would hope to pick up. Another possibility is that it was actually Bloomberg that bought off Keller knowing the backlash may just end 2 gun manufactures due to the appearance they sold out gun owners and dealer in IL. At this point either narrative is better and more believable than the BS statements they have released so far.