Batchelder credits pro-gun groups for winning over some opponents

by Chad D. Baus

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that House Speaker Bill Batchelder has received assurance from Governor Kasich that Ohio's Restaurant Carry legislation will get signed.

From the article:

"We visited about it," Batchelder said. "Absent something drastically changing, I don't know what that would be, the language is clear. There really is no problem there. I would expect the governor to sign it."

In addition, Kasich's spokesperson confirmed to the Cincinnati Enquirer that the governor will likely sign the bill:

Whichever bill clears the Ohio General Assembly first is expected to be signed into law by Gov. John Kasich, according to his spokesman. The legislation also relaxes limits on carrying guns in cars.

Kasich, a Republican, is a gun owner.

"While we are interested in seeing what the final version of the bill looks like, he has said in the past that he is supportive of the concept," Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said.

The state Senate approved a virtually identical bill last month. Whichever bill clears the Ohio General Assembly first will then be sent to the governor.

Batchelder is quoted by The Plain Dealer as saying he would speak to Republican Senate President Tom Niehaus on how to proceed. He told both The Plain Dealer and the Dayton Daily News that one of the bills should move next week.