On Thursday, November 20, a commentary about Bob Taft and his family legacy, entitled (Another) Taft holds Ohio GOP on the brink, was posted on this website. Almost immediately, we began receiving feedback from readers interested in making sure this piece, written by OFCC's Gerard Valentino, was read by as many people as possible.

Mission accomplished: Valentino's commentary is now featured at CNSNews.com (Cybercast News Service). Stories from this news service are widely read by political elites "inside the beltway". Bushcountry.org has also picked up the commentary.

The commentary finishes by asking if Bob Taft wants history to repeat itself - if he wants to splinter the GOP in Ohio as his great-grandfather once did in the nation. Taft's actions yesterday suggest the question may already have been answered.

To see the commentary for yourself, click below:

CNSNews.com

Bushcountry.org

November 20, 2003
GONGWER News Service

A new threat from Governor Bob Taft to veto a carrying concealed weapons bill because of a permit privacy provision was met with a mixture of disbelief and defiance Thursday from supporters of the legislation who said Mr. Taft's demand was not one on which they could compromise.

Mr. Taft's long-held position has been that he could not support a measure (HB 12) that would let law-abiding, trained Ohioans obtain permits to carry concealed weapons unless it had the endorsement of law enforcement.

The governor for the first time added a second condition in a letter to House and Senate leaders this week in which he said a gun licensee's "basic identifying information" including name, date of birth and county of residence should be considered public information. However, he said some other information gathered in the application process that would reflect mental illness, substance abuse or certain other conditions should be kept confidential.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

November 18, 2003
GONGWER News Service

House leaders announced Tuesday that three more session days have been added
to the schedule for next month in anticipation of needing more than the four
session days already scheduled to act on pending issues, including a
prescription drug program and public employee pension fund governance and
investment procedures.

Commentary:
They must also act on HB12.

Now that Gov. Taft has finally proven he will oppose ANY bill that comes out of the legislature, it is incumbent upon the House and Senate to find the best possible compromise, and send the bill to Taft. If he vetoes, he vetoes.

Republicans who were once 'reluctant' to take a stand against Taft due to party solidarity must now realize that Taft cares nothing for solidarity. He lied to them. If they do their jobs, the votes are clearly there for an override. If they do not...those who are not term-limited, and who wish to seek re-election, will be challenged.

In the wake of Gov. Taft's lie on concealed carry, many citizens have begun telling their Senators that they expect the Senate to send a bill to Taft, regardless of his threats. Following is a correspendence between a constituent, and Senator Randy Gardner, who is one of two Senators in contention for the Senate Presidency in 2005.

-----Original Message-----
From: R.H.
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 12:36 PM
To: Gardner, Randy
Subject: Taft raised the bar once more

I am outraged that Taft once again is interfering with the legislative process by wanting CCW records to be made public. That defeats the process by allowing criminals access to the knowledge of who has weapons. It's is also a defacto gun registration scheme. The Republican Senate must now realize they have been lied to once more. You must disregard the Governors requirement and put a reasonable bill on his desk. If he is to veto it we will all see if the people that elected you or Governor Taft is running the Senate.

Richard Haynes
Port Clinton, Ohio

----- Original Message -----
From: Gardner, Randy
To: 'R.H.'
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 4:14 PM
Subject: RE: Taft raised the bar once more

Mr. Haynes:

I support a process by which the Senate works to move a bill out of the Conference Committee irrespective of Governor Taft's new position on the public records questions. I do not believe this issue is a "matter of difference" between the House and Senate, and therefore is not something that the Conference Committee is likely to or should address. I am for moving forward on HB 12.

Sincerely,

Randy Gardner
State Senator
2nd Ohio District

Related Story:
Gardner, old foe compete for Ohio Senate’s top spot