New bill drives questions re: OFCC PAC's endorsement of Rep. Daniel Sferra

Ohioans For Concealed Carry PAC has been inundated with questions about its endorsement of Rep. Daniel Sferra (D) for the 64th District.

The questions came after Sferra made a bizarre election-eve move of introducing legislation that would allow municipalities to trump state law by rendering Ohioans defenseless in parks, on jogging trails, or any "other outdoor premises or property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the political subdivision."

"The original decision to give Rep. Sferra the endorsement over Republican Randy Law truly came down to his incumbency. Given what we knew at the time we made our decision, either one could have earned the endorsement," said OFCC PAC Chairman Jim Irvine. "In cases like these, it is our policy to come down on the side of the person who holds the office, and who has cast the votes."

Sferra voted for several versions of House Bill 12, including the one which was signed into law. Through its many forms, the bill always contained a provision, Section 9, which states that "No municipal corporation may adopt or continue in existence any ordinance, and no township may adopt or continue in existence any resolution, that is in conflict with those sections, including, but not limited to, any ordinance or resolution that attempts to restrict the places where a person possessing a valid license to carry a concealed handgun may carry a handgun concealed."

Ohioans For Concealed Carry has pledged to defend the law against anti-gun municipalities, has sent warnings to a number of city officials, and has filed a lawsuit against the City Of Clyde, whose officials refuse to obey the law.

"Rep. Sferra put his stamp of approval on Section 9 with every vote over the past two years," remarked Chad Baus, OFCC PAC Vice Chairman, "which is why so many people were shocked by his introduction of House Bill 561, which essentially seeks to repeal Section 9 of House Bill 12."

The introduction of this bill seemed even more baffling in the context of Sferra's decision to sign on as a co-sponsor to House Bill 559, which would "authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun without obtaining a license," such as residents in Vermont and Alaska now can do.

"We were anxious to speak with Rep. Sferra, whom we know as a friend to concealed carry," continued Irvine. "When we did get in touch with him, we had a good conversation. Rep. Sferra realizes his error, and has pledged to 'pull' House Bill 561 at the next session date, ensuring that it will never receive a hearing."

Ohio legislators must understand that any attempt to expand the list of mandatory victim disarmament zones will be vigorously opposed at the grassroots level in our state. OFCC PAC supporters are to be commended for their attention to the actions of their legislators. An educated electorate is essential to our freedom and way of life.