Governor Ted Strickland attends 2009 Buckeye Bash; promises to veto any anti-gun legislation

By Chad D. Baus

Attendees of the 2009 Buckeye Bash already knew they were in for a special time on Saturday, October 17, but didn't know until soon after they arrived that the evening was going to be made even more special by the appearance of Governor Ted Strickland.

The 2009 Buckeye Bash, which was held at Cardinal Center Campgrounds and Shooting Center in Marengo, just 30 miles north of Columbus, was held in support of Buckeye Firearms Foundation, an Ohio not-for profit foundation which is pursuing a lawsuit against the City of Cleveland for enforcing illegal gun control laws.

The event kicked off at 5:00 with an hour-long legislative reception. Elected officials on hand to mix and mingle with Buckeye Firearms Foundation supporters included State Reps. Danny Bubp, Bruce Goodwin, Cheryl Grossman, Robert Hackett, Ron Maag, Jarrod Martin, and Margaret Ann Ruhl. Also in attendance for the legislative reception was Auditor of State Mary Taylor.

After the introduction of leaders and key volunteers, the prayer was offered, and a meal and good fellowship enjoyed.

At 7:00, Attorney Ken Hanson took the podium to inform attendees on the very latest with regard to the Foundation's lawsuit against the City of Cleveland, and also on the McDonald case that will soon be heard by the Supreme Court, and the need to raise funds for an amicus brief to take part in that case.

Next up was keynote speaker USMC retired Colonel Danny Bubp. Col. Bubp, recipient of the military's Legion of Merit award, who served in Ramadi, Iraq as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Liaison Officer to the governor of Anbar Province. When Col. Bubp arrived in Anbar Province, it was the most dangerous province in Iraq. Before he came home, the security detail was turned over to the Iraqi security force. This true American Patriot's rousing, motivating message was entitled "Now is the time..."

The third speaker for the evening was Governor Ted Strickland. Strickland gave an educational message on the history of his support for gun rights, and drew applause when he pointed out his opposition to the "so-called assault weapons ban" in 1994, and again when he voiced his opposition to any attempt to change the law with regard to gun shows, "no matter what the Mayor of New York has to say about it." The Governor concluded his remarks by promising to veto any legislation aimed at gun shows or in any way narrowing, thinning or infringing on gun rights.

After the remarks of the distinguished speakers, it was time for the live auction. Auctioned off were several firearms, including two Russian 1891/30 7.62x54R Mosin Nagant Rifles and a Swiss Model 1911 7.5 Swiss K11 Carbine donated by AimSurplus, a CVA Optima Magnum Pro 209 break-action in-line .50 caliber muzzleloader donated by Vance Outdoors, and a VZ 58 Rifle, donated by CzechPointUSA. Other popular items included a One Year Membership donated by Black Wing Shooting Center, a framed painting of a group of wild turkeys donated by U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, and an original copy of the amicus brief submitted by Buckeye Firearms Foundation to the United States Supreme Court in the historic Heller case.

At the conclusion of the evening, Mr. Garrett Anderson was the proud recipient of the door prize, an Ithaca Model 37 Defense Shotgun.

Pro-gun groups which sponsored the event included Ohio Gun Collectors' Association, the Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association, the United States Sportsmen's Alliance, and the NRA-ILA.

Elected officials who sponsored the event were Reps. Danny Bubp, Robert Hackett, Jarrod Martin, Ron Maag, Margaret Ann Ruhl, Joe Uecker and Sens. Capri Cafaro, Shannon Jones, and Bill Seitz.

Other sponsors included Mary Carducci, John Farquhar, Dr. & Mrs. David Johnson, Jeanette Moll, and William Johnson.

Business sponsors included Beechwold Training Center and Larry Wigton, Auctioneer. (Mr. Wigton also donated his time to run the live auction.)

Buckeye Firearms Foundation would like to express their sincere thanks to all of our individual and corporate sponsors, as well as everyone who attended, for making this event a success! Plans are already being discussed for next year's Buckeye Bash, and we hope you'll make plans to attend.