Mr. Speaker – Mr. Sportsman

By Larry S. Moore

The Delaware Republican Party recently held their much-anticipated annual John Wayne Shoot. The special guest this year was Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted (R-Kettering). While the weather forecast was questionable, the skies did clear so the shoot could be held without rain. Republican candidates and supporters from across Ohio packed the lounge area at Blackwing Shooting Center. Speaker Husted offered a few remarks before getting to the real business of the day – some relaxation on the trap range.

Speaker Husted recapped the legislative accomplishments for this session of the General Assembly and encouraged the Republican faithful to stay the charted course for continued opportunities in Ohio, “There has been great teamwork between the Ohio House and Senate this term. Senate President Harris and I have been communicating about the things we have completed and the completion of some legislation before the end of the year."

"The sportsmen gathered today appreciate and understand the freedoms and foundations our nation is built upon," Husted continued. "The theme in the Ohio House has been fiscal discipline, responsibility and tax reform. When we address these issues we are really providing the empowerment to the people to make Ohio a better place. The power of the people, not of the government, is what makes Ohio successful. Republicans really believe that message. When we put more money back into the pockets of Ohioans, we know you will make better decisions with it than the government.”

Husted continued, “I recently appeared with House Democratic Minority Leader Joyce Beatty in Columbus. She continued the Democratic theme that Republicans only cut taxes for the rich. I pointed out that the tax cut enacted by the General Assembly total twenty-one per cent across the board. Across the board means it is for all Ohioans. Representative Beatty’s remarks highlight the difference between the Republican vision and the Democratic vision for Ohio. Ohio voters have rejected the Democratic vision for a very long time. They have not changed their vision. They are trying to hide behind certain frustrations with some in Ohio’s leadership. The truth is they hide there because they have no real vision for the future of Ohio. We need to remind people before the November election of the differences between the Republican and Democratic visions. The future of Ohio is at stake. Don’t be fooled by those who say the Democrats have changed. Every Democrat, except one, voted against the tax cut. They did not want to cut taxes in this General Assembly and they are not going to want to cut taxes in the future.”

With that, Husted concluded, “I know everyone did not come here to listen to a political pep talk. I am sure shooting clay targets is more fun than political speeches.” Following a safety briefing by the range officers at Blackwing Shooting Center, Speaker Husted led the first squad to the line. Husted quickly showed that he is as able on the trap line with his shotgun as Mr. Sportsmen as he has been in the Ohio House as Mr. Speaker.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award.