OFCC PAC Chairman Jim Irvine appeared as a guest on Adelphia Cable's "In The Spot Light" show (NE Ohio area only?) on Tuesday evening, October 22. The show was live, and will be rebroadcast on Thursday the 24th and Sunday the 27th on local access cable channels Adelphia system-wide (check local listings)

Jim discussed, debated, and took calls about cries for more gun control in response to the beltway spree killer and also talking about allowing pilots to carry firearms in the cockpit. Jim Irvine, being a commercial airline pilot himself, is our resident expert. The other side was represented by one of the anti-gun extremists who attended HB274 hearings in Columbus, Lori O'Neal.

The show was on Channel 15 in the Cleveland area and runs system-wide. This is a local access cable channel, so it may or may not be available in your area.

The battle for the high court intensified yesterday as the Ohio State Bar Association condemned two independently sponsored ads benefitting candidates. Yesterday, the association took the unusual step of asking the groups that bought the first two independent ads of this year's campaign to pull them. But Democrat candidates Burnside and Black continue to refuse disavowal.

David Crago, head of the bar association's campaign-monitoring committee, criticized outside influences in both Supreme Court races, calling the ads "deceptive and misleading and, quite frankly, insulting to Ohio voters.''

"The attack is on the judicial integrity of all four candidates. The ad(s) smear everyone,'' said Crago, dean of Ohio Northern University Law School.

The first condemned ad was sponsored by Citizens for an Independent Court, a consortium of unions and trial lawyers. They support Democratic candidates Black and Burnside, who have refused calls to disavow these commercials.

The other ad condemned by the bar association, sponsored by Competition Ohio, was funded by AT&T and other groups critical of Ameritech's telephone rates. Upon learning of the ads, both GOP candidates quickly disavowed the commercial.

The stakes are especially high in the two judicial races because control of the court, which has become known for bitter 4-3 splits in key rulings, likely will be decided in the two weeks remaining until the Nov. 5 election. And TV ads will play a major role in how Ohioans vote, political consultants agree.

Read the entire story in the Columbus Dispatch (Subscriber site - paid access only).

Completing what has become nearly a major media sweep in Ohio, the Cincinnati Enquirer has joined the Columbus Dispatch, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Toledo Blade and the Canton Repository (not to mention OFCC PAC!) in its enthusiastic support for Justice Evelyn Stratton (R) and Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Connor (R) for Ohio Supreme Court.

Like the other editorial boards, the Enquirer makes the point that "two of the most important statewide races in Ohio this fall are the ones voters seem to know least about - justices on the Ohio Supreme
Court. That is a shame. On issues from school funding to employment law [and Concealed Carry Reform!], their rulings affect all Ohioans."

"In recent years, Ohio's court has been fractious and over-reaching, issuing decisions that have stretched some legal and constitutional concepts to the breaking point. Recent rulings on liability issues, for
example, have become a national joke."

"The job calls for a blend of keen intelligence, trail experience, legal
insight, steely temperament and judicious restraint - the ability to tune out those high-powered, big bucks interests seeking to influence decisions."

"With all this in mind, our choices are the two GOP-endorsed candidates:
incumbent Justice Evelyn Stratton in her re-election bid against Janet Burnside, and Lt. Gov. Maureen O'Conner in her race against Tim Black."

"Ohioans should elect justices who can help restore the court's proper role, credibility and respect. Justice Evelyn Stratton and Maureen O'Connor are the best choices to do that."

Click on "Read More" below to view more of the endorsement.

Republican Jamie Callender is seeking re-election to represent Ohio House District 62. Both OFCC PAC and the Cleveland Plain Dealer endorse him.

In the newspapers words, "In a difficult decision, we give a slight edge to Callender. Our endorsement goes to Callender because he's a smart guy who has shown a real commitment to education."

OFCC PAC has been impressed with Jamie Callender's voting record on CCW/self-defense-related issues. His familiarity and experience with HB274, for which he voted yes, ensures continued strong support for Ohio CCW initiatives in the House.

District 62 includes Concord Township and much of the western portion of Lake County, including Eastlake, Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Lakeline, Mentor-on-the Lake, Timberlake, Waite Hill, Wickliffe, Willoughby, Willoughby Hills, and Willowick.

Read the entire endorsement in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Republican Tim Grendell is seeking re-election to represent newly redistricted Ohio House District 98. Both OFCC PAC and the Cleveland Plain Dealer endorse him.

In the newspapers words, "He's a better candidate than his Democrat opponent."

OFCC PAC has been impressed with Tim Grendell's' voting record on CCW/self-defense-related issues. His familiarity and experience with HB274, for which he voted yes, ensures continued strong support for Ohio CCW initiatives in the House.

The newly drawn district covers Geauga County and, for the first time, a portion of Cuyahoga County, including Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Village and the eastern part of Mayfield Heights.

Read the entire endorsement in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.