Ohioans For Concealed Carry applauds the recent discussion about reforming the current concealed carry law.

As Ohio's primary concealed carry reform advocate, we have been and continue to be in constant contact with Rep. Jim Aslanides, and other lawmakers, to assure that the rights of Ohio's law-abiding gun owners, and our members, are protected.

It is accepted by most law enforcement agencies, attorneys and pro-gun organizations that the open carry provision for motor vehicles is a legal black hole that is in desperate need of change. Other states allow concealed firearms in cars, and have experienced no threat to law enforcement. Ohio's gun owners should be afforded the same right.

We are also working to remove the Media Access Loophole provision, which is currently being abused by newspapers statewide.

Ohioans For Concealed Carry looks forward to continuing our work with Representative Aslanides, and hope that Governor Taft recognizes that the current law is in need of reform.

As always, it is important that citizens continue to write their representatives to let them know their thoughts on these issues.

CLICK HERE TO ASK YOUR LEGISLATORS TO MAKE OHIO’S CHL LAW MORE USER-FRIENDLY.

Related Story:
Aslanides: Expect ''fix-it'' legislation for Ohio CHL law this summer

The Marion Star has published one of the most illogical editorials to date from newspapers attempting to make a new case for why, despite the absolute success of Ohio’s concealed handgun license (CHL) law in the first year, the law should not be amended to be more user-friendly.

In the editorial, the Star takes the following positions:

1) The newspaper opposes improving Ohio’s CHL law to remove the ridiculous "plain sight" language from rules governing CHL-holders in motor vehicles.

2) The newspaper opposes removal of the Media Access Loophole, a provision which currently allows journalists the privilege of obtaining the name, age and county of residence of CHL-holders from sheriffs.

The positions come as no surprise. But the reasoning behind them is incredibly revealing.

Why does the Marion Star say "plain sight" language should remain? Because law enforcement (the Ohio State Highway Patrol) thinks it should.

Why does the Marion Star say the Media Access Loophole should remain? Because you can’t trust law enforcement!

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

The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that former state Senate President Doug White is interested in seeking election to a U.S. House seat vacated by Rep. Rob Portman when he accepted President Bush’s nomination to serve as U.S. Trade Representative.

From the story:

More than a half-dozen people are leaving the door open to run for Portman's 2nd Congressional District seat following his nomination Thursday as U.S. trade representative. The heavily GOP district stretches from eastern Hamilton County and southern Warren County east to Pike and Scioto counties.

Gov. Bob Taft must schedule a special election once the U.S. Senate confirms Portman, likely in about a month.

"Anybody who has committed their life to serving never says never," said Ohio Department of Commerce director Doug White, a Republican and former Ohio Senate president from Adams County. "I am exploring the possibility with friends and political supporters that I have."

It was just a few short months ago that White accepted an appointment from Bob Taft to the job of state Dept. of Commerce Director. White’s appointment to some state government job had been anticipated ever since he and a few other term-limited Republicans refused to commit to a veto-override in the state Senate on a concealed-carry bill. The reason they refused? Because they were looking for, in White's own words, "life after the legislature" – cushy job appointments from Taft.

Judging by his willingness to acknowledge the trading of votes for personal favors, if Mr. White goes to Washington, Ohioans in the 2nd Congressional District would have no reason to believe he would take the same stands against corruption as "Mr. Smith" once did so famously on the silver screen.

Related Stories:
Click here to hear White explain why he was unable to find the votes to beat a threatened Taft veto on Ohio's Concealed Carry Reform bill. The 4 minute report was filed by Ohio Public Radio on December 17, 2003.

''Life after the legislature'': Doug White likely Taft pick for commerce dir.

Senator: "Republicans sometimes forget that they're Republicans''

Date: 18 Mar 2005
From: John T.
Subject: Perry One Stop

In the Lake County News Herald paper on Tuesday, there was a story about the "no-guns" Perry One Stop gas station being robbed and the female clerk on 3rd shift being pistol whipped.

I work down the street, and someone I know was there. I was talking to the day girl afterwards, and the clerk said someone from the Perry Village or Lake County sheriff stopped by a few months ago and told them they should post the "no-guns" sign. (I am almost sure it was Perry Village, since they are always there, even though it’s in the township). Can they do that? It seems to be a issue with some departments.

The owner also owns the Painesville One Stop, which is also posted. I have given cards to clerks at both places to give to Joe the owner, who never seems to be around.

John T.

Commentary:
Over the past year, OFCC has received and documented other reports of certain police departments appearing in uniform and on duty, encouraging private businesses to post "no-guns" signs. This is surely an abuse of power, and a misuse of taxpayer funds (officers reportedly appear while on duty, and bearing signs that may have been printed at taxpayer expense).

Unfortunately, the officers who have taken this action will suffer none of the consequences of the potential loss of business, and as can be seen in the Perry One Stop example, they certainly won't be there to protect these "no-guns" stores when a criminal ignores the sign and endangers the occupants.