By Chris Chumita

For what might be the first time, Ohio gun owners actually have several candidates to choose from for governor. Ken Blackwell (Republican), Ted Strickland (Democrat), and Bill Peirce (Libertarian) have made it clear that they will fight for our Second Amendment rights. The Green party candidate, Bob Fitrakis, has not made the Second Amendment an issue, and it is unclear where he stands.

Ken Blackwell is an “A” rated candidate by the NRA and you can read more about his Second Amendment views here.

Blackwell is a gun-owner, NRA member, and an active shooter. Early in the election, Blackwell was criticized over not being vocal about his strong belief in the Second Amendment. Since then, he has made Second Amendment issues a priority. He clearly knows the issue, and has sent Ohio Senate President Harris a letter urging him to move on HB 347. Blackwell does not have a pro-gun voting record, because he was never in a position to cast a pro-gun-vote. Remembering the promises of the Voinovich and Taft campaigns, that leaves some gun owners wondering if Blackwell will back up what he says after he is elected.

By Ken Hanson

Those who have received our voter guide or read our website recently are aware that this PAC has endorsed Sandra O’Brien, Republican candidate for State Treasurer. In fact, one of the proudest achievements of this primary season was the grassroots effort that helped propel Sandra O’Brien to victory over anti-gun, Bob Bennett-anointed Jeanette Bradley. This is not meant to be a slight to her opponent, Richard Cordray, who is another Democrat this season who supports gun rights in Ohio.

I first encountered Richard Cordray, currently Franklin County Treasurer, in law school when I took his State Government class. To say he is an exceptionally bright attorney is an exercise in understatement, as his 5-time Jeopardy Champion status attests to. Although he is running for Treasurer, an office not directly impacting firearm rights, it is important to present his opinions and positions on firearms to our readers and donors so that they get to know Mr. Cordray a little better. Typically, Treasurer is a “stepping stone” position for future office, and it would not be unexpected to see Mr. Cordray on the statewide ballot in the future. After seeing him at the USSA banquet this past month, I contacted the campaign to interview Treasurer Cordray so we could add his pro-gun profile to this website.

The Marietta Times is reporting that area farmers and wildlife specialists are teaming up to sponsor a special deer hunt for area youth who otherwise may have a difficult time getting out into the field this season.

From the story:

Organizers say the event benefits farmers by reducing crop damage and also teaches children about their heritage and about ethical hunting.

Participating farmers have agreed to open up their farmland to youths who are accompanied by non-hunting adults during Ohio’s special statewide youth gun deer season, Nov. 18 and 19.

The weekend before the hunt, children participating in the Farmer Youth Initiative Hunt are required to attend a one-day orientation at the Washington County Fish and Game Club, where gun safety, field dressing techniques and hunting rules will be reviewed.

The story goes on to note that because of the introduction of an “apprentice” license in Ohio this year, hunters interested in participating in the hunt are not required to have previously held a hunting license or to complete a safe hunting course.

“We hope that translates into more kids getting involved,” said Eric Bear, local wildlife officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “I would really like to see this fill up. These kids are the future of our sport and we want them to get out and we want them to learn good hunting ethics.”

Click on 'Read More' for additional details.