Meet the candidates - it makes a difference

by Larry S. Moore

There is nothing more important in getting to know a candidate before you vote than meeting that person. This is especially true in those cases where a new candidate is running for an office. If the incumbent is running, there has been an opportunity to follow the votes; visit the statehouse; and attend local district events.

Recently I received a call from a friend inquiring as to why Buckeye Firearms Association had not endorsed Doug Green, who is the candidate for State Representative in the 66th Ohio House District. Buckeye Firearms Association doesn't discuss the candidate responses to our surveys with anyone except our leadership team and the candidate. I asked my friend to have Green call me. I had a very good conversation with the candidate regarding the questionnaire, his responses and how we grade the surveys. It is safe to say that both of us learned things about our surveys. Frankly, it is unfortunate the conversation didn't occur before we issued endorsements.

Buckeye Firearms Region Leaders Larry Moore and Joe Eaton had the opportunity to meet Mr. Green recently while attending a shooting event for Joe Uecker, candidate for the State Senate. Meeting the candidates face-to-face does indeed make a difference. Green was again anxious to meet us and talk with us. He understands the process we use. We now understand more about his knowledge of the issue facing gun owners and hunters. Mr. Green reiterated his desire to have a strong working relationship moving forward with Buckeye Firearms. We heartily agreed to that approach and appreciate his support.

I am entirely comfortable with Doug Green as a pro-gun and pro-sportsman candidate for the Ohio House. I would urge gun-owners in the 66th House District to vote for him.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Foundation and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award, the 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year and the 2010 National Wild Turkey Federation/ Women in the Outdoors Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.