Buckeye Firearms Association endorsees have been elected by Republicans and Democrats to a majority of leadership positions in their respective caucuses for the 128th General Assembly.

By Jim Irvine

The Columbus Dispatch editorial "Kowtow to the NRA – Sheriffs got a raw deal when lawmakers backed down on concealed carry fee" demonstrates that the Dispatch editors are still more interested in spreading lies to prop up their failed ideas rather than accepting the truth and reporting the news.

It is important to note that the Dispatch has been contacted many times by Buckeye Firearms Association leaders about gun-related stories full of errors, omissions, or lies. That they continue to write stories that are factually inaccurate proves they are intentionally attempting to mislead their readers about firearms and the legislative process.

By Stephen J. Feltoon

Recently, a handful of people forwarded me a letter that was sent from the President of GunFreeKids.org as well as Toby Hoover (Executive Director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence) and whose recipient is unknown because the address has been redacted. The content and context of the letter indicates that it was sent to a college in Ohio (more likely it was sent to ALL public colleges).

This letter warned of the gun lobby’s attempts to preempt public universities across the country, forcing their hands to allow concealed carry within their borders, and was laden with reasons why universities should oppose any legislation to allow this.

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, a good friend to Buckeye Firearms Association and to Ohio gun owners, has officially declared his candidacy for the chairman's post at the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Blackwell, a former endorsee of this political action committee who sits on the NRA Board of Directors, has sent a letter to RNC members seeking their vote.

According to The Hannah Report, Blackwell's letter, posted on his website at www.blackwell2009.com, calls for a remaking of the Republican Party "by returning to our core philosophy (limited government, traditional values and a strong defense), reaching voters more
effectively (by better utilization of technology, targeting and voter identification, and turnout), and reorganizing the RNC
itself (spending smarter, replacing staff and consultants, and modernizing our fundraising infrastructure)."

By Gerard Valentino

Buckeye Firearm’s Chairman, Jim Irvine, is fond of saying that all politicians are not the same, despite people’s belief to the contrary. As proof that not all politicians are the same, Buckeye Firearms Association has set up interviews with pro-gun legislators, and other elected officials who believe strongly in the right to bear arms.

In this installment we highlight Seth Morgan, a newly elected Republican Ohio State Representative for the 36th District. Below are his answers to several questions we think Ohio’s gun owners would ask if given the chance.

The Ashland Times-Gazette is reporting that National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre told a crowd at Ashland University last week that historic victories for gun rights occurred in 2008, but the fight for firearm freedoms must continue to preserve the Second Amendment.

Speaking at the Major Issues Lecture Series at the John M. Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs, LaPierre told listeners that despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down a handgun ban in Washington D.C., which affirmed the individual right to keep and bear arms, there is a battle for firearms ownership in America. He said an "elite ruling class" of anti-gun politicians has "declared war on our individual rights" by trying to restrict Americans' ability to keep and bear arms.

Thanks in large part to having run so many pro-gun candidates in key districts, Democrats will hold a slim majority next year in the Ohio House.

The House Democratic caucus has chosen Rep. Armond Budish (D-08) as the next House speaker. He will replace Republican Jon Husted when the 128th General Assembly is formed in January.

It is an encouraging sign that, despite a change in party leadership, a majority of House leadership positions in the chamber will continue to be held by Buckeye Firearms Association endorsees.

On October 30, Buckeye Firearms Association was pleased to report that the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) had ordered all NO GUNS signs at state rest stops to be removed.

Buckeye Firearms Association has just received word that Chief Legal Counsel Cathy Cola Perkins has confirmed that "the signs will be coming down in the visitor centers as well."

By Jim Irvine

State law requires all political action committees to file regular reports on where their money comes from and how it is spent. This information becomes public record and is available to you online. Buckeye Firearms Associations has a full disclosure policy on our finances. We want you to know how frugal and careful we are with your donations.

In keeping with our commitment to keep you informed of how we invest your money, I'd like to provide some analysis of our 2008 pre-general campaign finance report.

This report was far and away the biggest report we have ever filed. That is a testament to you, our supporters. Many people believe in our mission – defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, electing pro-gun candidates and lobbying for pro-gun legislation – and more and more people also believe in the leaders of Buckeye Firearms Association and our ability to fulfill that mission.

You have voted with your dollars, and we are grateful.

2008 has been a unique year in the history of this political action committee. Term limits are forcing many of our friends out of the state legislature. Many races had no incumbent and were in competitive districts where either candidate had a good chance to win.

Following are links to election results in races involving our 2008 General Election Endorsements, along with analysis.