Battle lines are already forming for 2004 state legislative races, and the problem of Senate Republican failures on concealed carry reform is taking center stage from the very beginning.

Senator Doug White (R-14) is viewed by many as Governor Taft's accomplice in poisoning and delaying House Bill 12. White is term-limited, and thus if he desires to stay in politics at all, his best bet may be via an appointment from the governor.

White has not been silent about who he hopes can replace him in his home district. This is neither surprising nor precedent-setting.

What has surprised watchers, however, is that House Speaker Larry Householder has endorsed an alternative candidate for S.D. 14. In letters to White constituents, Householder is stressing what he perceives as one of the key differences between the two candidates is: their strength on the concealed carry reform issue, and their willingness to fight against members of their own party who put politics ahead of principle.

President White's choice is Rep. Tom Niehaus (R-88). Niehaus was a 2002 OFCC PAC endorsee, in the 88th District. In an October press release announcing his candidacy for State Senator in Distict 14, Rep. Niehaus stated "Senator Doug White was an invaluable and trusted advisor throughout this process. He is supporting my candidacy."

Speaker Householder's choice for a Republican candidate to replace White is Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-66). Schmidt was also a 2002 OFCC PAC endorsee, in the 88th District. Rep. Schmidt recently published an op-ed in the Clermont Sun concerning the concealed carry issue. Click on the "Read More..." link below to view the entire opinion editorial.

The 14th Senate district includes Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Scioto counties, as well as part of Lawrence County.

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Click on the "Read More..." link below for Rep. Schmidt's entire CCW op-ed.