The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that State Auditor and anti-concealed-carry gubernatorial primary candidate Betty Montgomery was out-paced on fundraising nearly 2 to 1 by her Republican counterparts Ken Blackwell and Jim Petro in the first half of 2005.

According to reports filed Friday, Montgomery collected just $670,000, compared to Blackwell's $1.2 million, and Petro's $1.1 million. Blackwell's fundraising this year has outpaced all five major-party candidates for governor, while the news story reports that Montgomery is the only major-party candidate who did not raise $1 million or more since January.

From the story:

Polls show Blackwell leading his two opponents in the Republican primary. His front-runner status has allowed him to collect money from national Republican donors along with those in Ohio.

Republican Attorney General Jim Petro, who trails in early polling, raised $1.1 million this reporting period, placing him ahead of Montgomery but slightly behind Blackwell.

Still, Petro's $3.08 million balance is the largest of any candidate for governor and includes nine $10,000 donations.

In the Democratic contest, the Plain Dealer reports that anti-gun Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman raised $1.01 million since announcing his candidacy in February, and that U.S. Representative Ted Strickland, a pro-gun Democrat, collected $1.074 million even though he has been in the race for only about three months.

Friday, July 29, 2005

Today, in an historic vote in Second Amendment history, freedom prevailed.

When it comes to something as fundamental as the Second Amendment, the American people are determined to protect this freedom. That’s what happened in the United States Senate today.

The final outcome of the U.S. Senate vote on S. 397 -- the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” -- is a groundbreaking step forward for law-abiding firearm manufacturers, retailers and owners in this country. The National Rifle Association (NRA) invested many years trying to pass this needed legislation that will put an end to politically motivated predatory lawsuits.

The “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” is a vital bill that will save the centuries old, law-abiding, and highly regulated American industry that has persevered under the burden of these predatory lawsuits. The success of this bill was so critical to national security interests that it prompted the Department of Defense to issue a strong letter unequivocally urging passage.

We are grateful for the support of the 62 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. On behalf of our 4 million members and the tens of millions of gun owners across this country, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Majority Leader Bill Frist for his unyielding efforts to ensure that S. 397 received a fair and just hearing before this legislative body.

We also appreciate Senator Larry Craig for his steadfast hard work in marshalling this effort through the Senate. Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum were also vital parts of this team whose dedicated efforts ought to be recognized.

The NRA needed 60 votes to ensure passage of this bill. This would not have been possible without support from Senators from the both sides of the aisle. We thank Minority Leader Harry Reid for supporting this legislation and the members in his caucus who voted for this proposed law.

America is a better and safer place with the passage of S. 397. Members of the United States Senate who voted for this measure placed principle over politics and voted for good policy.

We look forward to working with leaders in United States House of Representatives upon return from the August recess.

-‑nra--

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.