By Chad D. Baus

As gubernatorial-hopefuls jostle for position in preparation for what could be a bruising 2006 primary season in both parties, pro-gun Ohioans have begun to take note of who among the candidates have a record of true support for self-defense rights, and which of them may be more likely only to pay lip-service to support for the Second Amendment, as a means of getting votes.

As the PAC has reported recently (here and here), State Auditor Betty Montgomery opposed the restoration of Ohioans’ constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense, and continues to express a fear of CHL-holders that she sources to the time she spent as a lawyer, witnessing the "dastardly" crimes committed against law enforcement by people with guns. In two recent appearances, Montgomery has stated "I don't want to live in a society where everyone carries a gun."

So imagine our surprise when we discovered that in effort to promote the website in search engine hits, keywords programmed on www.bettymontgomery.com, which is operated by the Montgomery Campaign Committee, include "Second Amendment", "2nd Amendment" and "tough on crime".

And imagine our confusion when we could find NOTHING on her website referring to the Second Amendment, nor any reference to Montgomery’s opposition to concealed carry laws, which have proven to reduce crime in every state they've been tried.

Her website bio claims that "Betty Montgomery's entire career has focused on protecting Ohio's most vulnerable citizens", which are later classified as "senior citizens, youth, and crime victims". The truth is, Betty Montgomery continues to oppose the very law which levels the playing field for "Ohio's most vulnerable citizens", giving them the opportunity to defend themselves when attacked. How much protection can she really be given credit for providing them when she continues to oppose their right to self-defense?

And if you think the phrase "protecting Ohio's most vulnerable citizens" sounds familiar, consider this: In his 2003 State of the State speech, Bob Taft, who also opposed concealed carry reform, stated that "we'll continue to protect our most vulnerable populations..."

Other keywords on Betty Montgomery’s website include "anti-tax, tax cuts, tax cutter". Since Montgomery is on record as having supported the largest tax increase in Ohio (Taft's 20% sales take hike in 2003, which voters had rejected back in 1998), some may also question another keyword that has made the list:

"Honesty".

Aside from the knowledge that holding membership in Ohioans For Concealed Carry is supporting efforts to improve and defend Ohio's self-defense law, OFCC's quarterly newsletter has become incentive enough to ensure members' renewals are turned in on time.

Newsletter Editor Dan White fills each issue with original content on a wide assortment of topics related to OhioCCW, from a wide variety of authors. Following are the opening paragraphs of an article by Gahanna Police Chief Dennis Murphy, which is slated to be featured in the upcoming second-quarter newsletter.

by Dennis Murphy
Chief of Police
City of Gahanna, Ohio

Contrary to what the nay sayers predicted, our streets have not run red with blood shed by those who have chosen to legally carry concealed weapons. In fact there was at least one situation where an armed citizen was needed but not available. It was Thursday, January 6, 2005 when Daryl M. Lawrence entered the 5/3 Bank located on McNaughten and Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. Lawrence, already an accomplished bank robber and soon to be cop killer engaged Officer Bryan Hurst, but not before sustaining wounds from the officer who died at the scene. Lawrence was arrested by Columbus officers three days after the shooting.

Training is near and dear to my heart. As an Army Special Forces Weapons Leader, Infantry Officer and now as the Chief of Police for the City of Gahanna, I know from experience that how you train is how you will fight.

If you want to read Chief Murphy's entire article, and many more every bit as stimulating and informative, please join OFCC now!

As an OFCC member, you will receive the quarterly Members' Newsletter (along with the occasional monthly news update flyer, when circumstances warrant).

Your dues contribution of $20.00 or more will help Ohioans For Concealed Carry in hundreds of ways. Our organization is entirely volunteer based, and you can rest assured your dues are not a profit-source for any individual. OFCC exists solely to benefit the law-abiding citizens of Ohio by seeking to improve and defend OhioCCW.

It's not too late to receive the members-only newsletter containing Chief Murphy's powerful article.

JOIN NOW!

Mon Feb 14 06:25:07 2005
From: Mike
Subject: Stolen Gun

Hello-

I had a gun (and some other stuff) stolen out of my car Wednesday at the “no-guns” Alladin Shrine Temple in Columbus.

There was even a cop on scene that saw the guy and gave chase, but lost him. The cop said there had been a few smash and grabs there lately. In addition to my gun, this dirtbag has my home address and my appointment schedule for work.

I’ll be writing the Governor to tell him he’s partly responsible for another illegal gun in the hands of criminals due to the ridiculous “plain sight” provision in the law.

Mike

Car break-ins have made news recently across Ohio:

The OFCC/TDI Fun 'n Gun fundraiser is almost sold out! We have
approximately 15 seats left. So, if you've been procrastinating, don't
wait much longer!

Remember, it is only a $100 donation for a full day of fun and shooting with OFCC staff. This is a members-only event, but when registering, non-OFCC-members can join at the same time as they sign up for only $15 more!

Click the Fun 'N Gun logo for prices and online ticket ordering, photos from a recent outing at TDI, etc.

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The deadline for signups is March 25th, or until all seats are filled.

All donations will be going to the OFCC PAC to help get CCW-friendly politicians elected to the Ohio legislature.

Questions can be sent to event organizer and OFCC Membership Coordinator Dan White at dwhite@ofcc.net.

For those who have signed up already, registration packets will be in the mail soon.

When:
Sunday, April 3rd
9am-5pm

Where:
Tactical Defense Institute
2174 Bethany Ridge
West Union, OH 45693

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Reynoldsburg Police Chief Jeanne Miller has been suspended for a week without pay, the penalty she recommended herself for leaving her purse - with a loaded 9 mm pistol inside - at the Reynoldsburg branch of the Columbus Metropolitan library six weeks ago.

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