Today is Election Day in many municipalities, and voters have an opportunity to ensure that pro-gun candidates will be on the ballot this November.

In Cincinnati, Buckeye Firearms Association has endorsed Charlie Winburn for Mayor. In a campaign shaped by the city's trouble with street crime, Councilman Charlie Winburn has also earned the endorsement of crime-fighting former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and is, in our opinion, the candidate who would be best to lead city government out of its anti-gun mindset. Winburn can be counted on to attack the city's crime problem by focusing his efforts on criminals, rather than on law-abiding citizens. In the year 2000, Winburn worked with the NRA to challenge the city's reckless lawsuit against gun manufacturers. One of his opponents, the term-limited State Sen. Mark Mallory, was a consistent anti-gun vote in the Statehouse, and pro-gun voters would do well to keep him away from this executive office.

In Toledo, Buckeye Firearms Association has endorsed Councilman Rob Ludeman for Mayor. Two successive anti-gun administrations in the Glass City have passed useless assault weapons and inexpensive gun bans, and which have posted "no-guns" signs in city parks and busses, all the while overseeing a rise in violent crime. Today, pro-gun voters have a chance to vote FOR a man who opposed these ordinances and policies and AGAINST the men who are responsible for them, all at the same time. Republican Councilman Rob Ludeman is facing off against anti-gun former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, and anti-gun current Mayor Jack Ford.

The top two vote-getters in mayoral races in both Toledo and Cincinnati in today's elections will then face one another in the November elections. The best chance to make a difference with your vote is in off-year elections. Since fewer voters come to the polls, every vote cast is that much more powerful.

Don't forget to vote TODAY in Toledo and Cincinnati, or anywhere in Ohio where the polls are open!

By Gerard Valentino and John Salyers

The Cleveland Plain Dealer took time away from their crusade to equate law-abiding gun owners with sex offenders to print a story on a law that would seal the criminal records of convicted felons.

This objective and fair article covering a law that would protect convicted criminals is in stark contrast to the attacks the Cleveland Plain Dealer often prints against law-abiding gun owners in Ohio.

From the story:

Thousands from across the state are expected to converge on the Statehouse for a morning prayer rally to support House Bill 317 -- a proposal that would seal criminal records of some repeat offenders.

The majority of these felons have lived crime-free for years but remain haunted and hampered by convictions, said the Rev. Mark C. Olds, a felon himself and president and founder of the National Restoration Movement.

Because of their felonies, ex-convicts cannot take many jobs, including working with the elderly or at nursing homes.

The Plain Dealer prints the names of concealed handgun license holders with the full knowledge that people have lost their homes and jobs when their name was printed by a newspaper yet they refuse to show the same level of compassion for people injured by their actions that they do for common criminals.

The story continues by saying that this movement has gained wide spread support from the legal and religious communities.

The trip to Columbus comes after months of public forums to inform residents of the proposed legislation. The movement has gained support from judges, pastors, lawyers and community leaders eager to help give repeat felons another chance.

Olds held a news conference a week ago on the steps of the Justice Center in Cleveland. He was joined by, among others, Cleveland Municipal Judge Joan Synenberg, who supports the legislation.

HB 317 was conceived by Olds, sponsored by State Rep. Shirley Smith, a Cleveland Democrat, and co-sponsored by several legislators.

While this may be a noble effort in a fight to protect the privacy of deserving people, we cannot help but ask a few questions on behalf of law-abiding gun owners.

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

By Gerard Valentino

There are few things in life more precious than the safety and security felt in one’s own home. For many, home is where their children play and a personal sanctuary from the frantic pace of modern life.

In many states however, a person’s home is free for the taking. Not only by unethical politicians willing to turn it over to developers but also to criminals who are protected by the law while they commit robbery.

Yes, you read that correctly, in most states it is illegal to use deadly force in your own home if the intruder is only after your television. So, if someone walks in your front door, picks up the television and then leaves, there is nothing you can do about it other than call 911.

Such is the case in Ohio.

In most states the use of deadly force is only allowed if the victim fears for their life or the life of a loved one. There is also a burden on the law-abiding citizen that defended their life to prove they honestly felt they were at risk of death or serious bodily injury. To that end the use of deadly force section in Ohio’s concealed carry pamphlet actually identifies the criminal that broke into your house and threatened you as the victim.

Most states, including Ohio, do not require a duty to retreat from violent attack while in the home, a provision of the law sometimes called the castle doctrine, which is in stark contrast to the requirement to retreat while outside the home. That means if you’re attacked while outside the home and have a way to retreat, the law requires you to take this course of action before deadly force is considered legal – even if you have to turn your back on the assailant.

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

By Jim Irvine

The NRA today issued a news release stating that a “Disaster Can’t Destroy Gun Rights.”

Quoting from the release:

"When law enforcement isn’t available, Americans turn to the one right that protects all the others - the right to keep and bear arms," LaPierre said. "This attempt to repeal the Second Amendment should be condemned.”

A Louisiana state statute allows the chief law enforcement officer to "regulate possession" of firearms during declared emergencies. "But regulate doesn’t mean confiscate," said Chris W. Cox, the NRA’s chief lobbyist.

"Authorities are using that statute to do what the looters and criminals could not: disarm the law-abiding citizens of New Orleans trying to protect their homes and families," Cox said.

I commend the NRA for taking a strong stand against the seizing of personal firearms. For some people, a gun is the only thing that allowed them to defend their family business from looters. For some, it was the only way to protect their life. For some, it was the one thing that gave them piece of mind. Everyone understands the only way a 70 year old woman can defend herself from a gang of bandits is with the proper use of her firearm. How sad that the police find it “necessary” to take away a women’s dignity along with her gun.

The police could not stop assaults and rapes from happening in a location as tightly monitored and controlled as the Superdome. Is there anyone who believes they are doing a better job securing the safety of individuals or their property in the disaster area?

The Second Amendment Foundation will host their 20th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference September 23-25 in Los Angeles.

Scheduled speakers include NRA’s President Sandra Froman, Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and Director of Federal Affairs, Chuck Cunningham.

Also speaking will be author of “The Bias Against Guns” Professor John R. Lott Jr., the host of “Gun Talk” radio program Tom Gresham and Massad Ayoob.

Buckeye Firearms will be represented by Jim Irvine, who will be on a panel discussion regarding state's issues.

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

A story in the Cincinnati Enquirer offers increasing indications that Democrats have in mind to run a pro-gun candidate against anti-gun Republican Senator Mike DeWine in 2006.

While one such potential rival, U.S. Rep Tim Ryan, announced that he has decided to seek a third term in Congress and will not oppose DeWine, Ryan says DeWine is vulnerable and suggested a fellow pro-gun Democrat: Iraq war veteran Paul Hackett.

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

Exclusive to Buckeye Firearms Association. Do not reprint without permission

By: Ken Hanson Esq.

How would you like to donate $100.00 of Ohio's money to a pro-gun candidate? That's right, give $100.00 of Ohio's tax money to a pro-gun candidate's campaign.

It is easy, it is legal, and Buckeye Firearms Association has just made it even easier.

Ohio tax law gives individuals a tax credit of $50.00, and married couples a credit of $100.00 on their Ohio tax return for donations to candidates for statewide office. That means that you have a choice to make......either you can give that money to Ohio and Bob Taft to use to invest in coin collections, or you can give it to a pro-gun candidate and help them get elected. But you need to chose, because you are going to spend the money one of those two ways, whether you like it or not.

Buckeye Firearms Association is pleased to report that there is an "embarrassment of riches" when it comes to pro-gun, statewide candidates for the 2006 election cycle. Follow one of the links below to contribute to one of these candidates. At the end of the donation process, please follow up with an email message to the pro-gun candidate to let them know about your donation, and, more importantly, that you donated to them to thank them for their pro-gun positions. Please also mention this article at the Buckeye Firearms Association website.

Please note, the donation can be broken up however you would like, but the above limits are per calendar year, so you can't donate more than the maximum and get a tax credit for that amount, no matter how you break it up (i.e. you can't contribute $100 to two different candidates and get a $200 credit.) Also note that some of the candidates do not support online donation, so you will be given a form to print out, pre-addressed and everything, to mail with your check.

Use this opportunity to make a huge impact for gun rights. It is money you have already spent, you might as well have it go to support a great cause!

Suggested donation opportunities: