By Larry S. Moore

The candidate forum led by the USSA and co-sponsored by National Wild Turkey Federation Ohio State Chapter, Buckeye Firearms Association, Gander Mountain, Ohio State Trappers Association, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited, was well attended by sportsmen from across the state. It was, in short, a huge success demonstrating the political awareness of the gun-owning sportsmen and the organizations that sponsored the event.

Tony Celebrezze, USSA Director of State Services, served as emcee for the event and welcomed all the sportsmen and women. John Hohenwarter, NRA lobbyist, addressed the group on the importance of being involved. He also thanked the legislators for the passage of Sub-HB 347.

Next, Buckeye Firearm’s Larry Moore took the podium. Moore also welcomed the sportsmen and introduced Buckeye Firearms Association as a grass-roots Ohio PAC dedicated to electing pro-gun and pro-sportsmen candidates. Moore noted that Buckeye Firearms had also worked closely with the legislators and the NRA in the passage of Sub-HB 347. However, Moore noted that the bill, as passed, is missing one important piece, the proper definition of a loaded firearm for transportation in a vehicle. Moore called on sportsmen to contact their Senators to get this restored to the legislation.

Click on the "Read More..." link below for a recap of the candidate's speeches, and for information on how you can attend another event like this THIS WEEKEND.

The Toledo Blade has published two excellent letters to the editor in which writers respond to a bigoted and derogatory op-ed published recently by anti-gun extremist Marilou Johanek.

Having once expressed her (very wrong) prediction that concealed carry would present Ohio with a "worst-case scenario when road, work, or play rage finds a trigger within easy reach", Johanek deserves to have her credibility questioned by readers of the Toledo Blade.

At least two writers have done just that, and their letters can be read by clicking on the "Read More..." link below.