In 2005, this Political Action Committee (PAC) broadened our focus to address issues beyond concealed carry reform. To better reflect this expanded focus, the PAC chose to relinquish its "corporate sponsored" status and change its name from Ohioans For Concealed Carry PAC to Buckeye Firearms Association PAC. From public statements made by our former corporate sponsor, both on the Internet and directly to its members via newsletters, some of you are aware that the three officers who comprise OFCC Inc.'s Board of Directors were not supportive of our decision to change the name and broaden the focus of this PAC.

As Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association PAC, it has always been my desire to keep these past personality conflicts from affecting our goal of improving gun rights in Ohio. You deserve nothing less. Certain events this past year have made this a difficult endeavor.

In February 2006, I was notified that OFCC Inc. had filed a lawsuit against Buckeye Firearms Association as a whole and Chad Baus, Joe Eaton, Mary Friscone and myself as individuals. Several legislators and other key pro-gun supporters joined us in asking OFCC Inc. to drop the baseless attacks, but all requests were initially rebuffed. When it was inevitable that the lawsuit was going to move forward, Eaton, Friscone, Baus and I retained the legal services of James Ervin Jr. and Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Arnoff, LLP to defend ourselves and this organization.

In September, our attorneys responded with a request to have the case dismissed, because the accusations made in this lawsuit were absolutely baseless. We were expecting a favorable ruling from the court any day on our request to have the suit dismissed in its entirety. However, and thankfully, before the court's decision came, OFCC Inc. dismissed their entire lawsuit.

We are delighted that the suit has been withdrawn, and thank the OFCC Inc.'s Board of Directors for their decision. This action shows that they are putting the cause first. Our full hope has always been that all involved could continue working toward our common goal – defending your firearms rights. Last week's elections illustrate the importance of staying focused on our goals, the good that comes from strong relationships, and the cost of senseless infighting.

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By Chad D. Baus

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that OhioGOP party chair Bob Bennett is considering carrying on as party chair, claiming to have learned a few things after voter anger left heavy Republican casualties at the polls.

From the story:

"In a very real sense, in some ways, we needed this," Bennett said in a conference call with reporters. "We need a reminder that our service to the people is at their discretion."

To gun owners still stinging after years of hearing anti-gun rhetoric from Bennett Republicans like Bob Taft, Betty Montgomery, George Voinovich and Mike Dewine, Bennett's realization about whom his party serves has come far too late. And comments about his inability to understand the source of Bob Taft's ultra-low approval ratings raise questions of just how much of a lesson Bennett has actually learned.

Click on 'Read More' for the full story.

November 9, 2006
The People's Defender

Ohio's youth deer-gun season will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 18-19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Young hunters killed 8,641 deer during the 2005 two-day season. Some young hunters may take advantage of Ohio's new apprentice hunting license. This new licenses allows new hunters, both adults and youth, to sample the experience of hunting under the mentorship of a licensed adult, prior to completing a hunter education course.

The apprentice hunting license was developed as part of a nationwide effort called "Families Afield," designed to remove barriers that prevent hunters from passing along the hunting heritage.

The youth deer-gun season is open statewide. Hunters may take one deer of either sex during this season, in accordance with existing bag and deer-zone limits. Plugged shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and bows are legal. All participants must wear a jacket, coat, vest, or coveralls in solid or camouflaged hunter orange, possess a valid Ohio hunting license and deer permit, and be accompanied by a non-hunting adult in the field.

All other regularly scheduled hunting seasons will continue during the two-day youth season. However, other hunters, including deer-archery hunters, are required to wear a jacket, coat, vest, or coveralls in solid or camouflaged hunter orange during this period.