Story originally posted at 12:40 a.m. Updates will continue throughout the day.
By Chad D. Baus
In a pre-election article focusing on the possible (and now real) outcome of the national Congressional races, Dave Kopel, research director at the Independence Institute, said this: "Things look a lot better for the Second Amendment than they do for the Republican party."
That statement is equally true of the Election Day outcome in Ohio, where several pro-gun Democrats were chosen instead of or to replace anti-gun Republicans.
Ohio Governor:
Ohio gun owners will have a pro-gun governor for the first time in 16 years. Democrat Ted Strickland easily defeated Republican Ken Blackwell, who was also a pro-gun candidate.
Ohio Attorney General:
Betty Montgomery opposed legislation which became Ohio's concealed carry law in 2004, and told Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine that she would never be the candidate of the NRA. She has been defeated by Buckeye Firearms Association endorsee and Democrat Marc Dann.
Ohio Auditor of State:
Buckeye Firearms Association endorsee Mary Taylor was able to overcome a serious trend against Republicans in Ohio. Gun owners are fortunate that in Taylor they have another statewide office-holder who strongly supports their gun rights.
Ohio Treasurer of State: