A Tale of Two Ohio Elected Officials: Rep. Steve Austria stands up for gun rights legislation that George Voinovich once killed

by Gerard Valentino

A speech given by Congressman Steve Austria (R-OH) during the debate over legalizing nationwide concealed carry was a reminder of how important it is to support candidates dedicated to defending the right to bear arms. It also offered the Ohio Republican Party redemption for the vote cast by former United States Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) that killed a previous attempt to pass a similar bill.

Senator Voinovich didn't simply cast a vote against nationwide concealed carry, he cast the decisive vote that ultimately killed the bill. In contrast, Congressman Austria not only voted in favor of H.R. 822 but co-sponsored the bill as well.

By showing unflagging support for the right to bear arms, Congressman Austria lived up to the Buckeye Firearms Association endorsement he earned in the last election cycle. His choice to speak in favor of the bill also showed he is not afraid to be a standard-bearer for the right to bear arms.

View Congressman Austria's speech:

Gerard Valentino, a former military intelligence analyst, is a member of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation Board of Directors and the author of "The Valentino Chronicles – Observations of a Middle Class Conservative," available through the Buckeye Firearms Association store.