Ohioans For Concealed Carry PAC Changes Name to Buckeye Firearms AssociationTM

New Name Reflects Broadening of Organizational Focus to All Firearms-related Issues in Ohio

Cleveland – The Ohioans For Concealed Carry PAC announced today that it has changed its name to the Buckeye Firearms Association^TM. The goal of the name change is to answer repeated calls from legislators, other pro-gun organizations and our many supporters to broaden our involvement in firearms issues outside the realm of concealed carry.

Founded in 2002 by Chairman Jim Irvine, Vice Chairman Chad Baus and Treasurer Mary Friscone, the PAC is a non-partisan political action committee promoting education and grassroots activism. The Association's primary focus is the election of candidates who desire to defend the constitutional right of Ohioans to bear arms for self-defense and improve Ohio laws regarding lawful firearms ownership.

"Effectively we are leveraging the phenomenal success of this grassroots network," said Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association^TM Chairman. "Each election cycle, thousands of Ohioans look to this PAC to help them choose the best candidate on the crucial issues regarding Second Amendment rights. We felt it was a good time to capitalize on the momentum of our successes in the 2002 and 2004 elections, as well as the passage of concealed carry. There are many important issues that affect the law-abiding Citizens of Ohio. The Buckeye Firearms Association^TM will address these needs for the betterment of Ohioans."

The Buckeye Firearms Association^TM has adopted its new name as a statement of our determination to continue as the leading firearms-related PAC in Ohio, providing important election-year endorsements to pro-gun candidates, communicating with our legislators about legislation to improve Ohio’s firearms laws, and fighting the erosion of gun-rights in the Buckeye State. The Buckeye Firearms Association^TM is well positioned to grow into new areas of grassroots campaigning allowing us to strengthen the pro-gun majority in all three branches of state government. Other new lobbying efforts will include passage of statewide firearms law preemption, which would serve to end ill-conceived weapons bans in Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus, and to overrule anti-gun municipalities who are currently ignoring state law and infringing on the right to bear arms for self-defense."

"In conjunction with new fundraising strategies, we have been pursuing the development of a strong grassroots identity that will accurately represent our organization to our supporters and prospects", stated Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair. "While our PAC’s name is changing, all core elements of the organization will remain the same. The Buckeye Firearms Association^TM will continue to represent our supporters with a strong voice in legislative debates, to provide endorsed candidates with strong levels of grassroots support to help them win elections, and we will continue to place emphasis on our strong partnerships with other pro-gun organizations," continued Hanson.

Along with the name change, the PAC adopted a new organizational identity, including a new logo and visual identity, and a new website that can be found at www.buckeyefirearms.org. The changes are effective immediately, and all future activity will be undertaken with the new name.

We wish to offer our thanks to our many volunteers, donors and supporters that worked side by side with us to see the passage of concealed carry reform in Ohio. We look forward to the future, and to continuing to make a difference by making Ohio a safer place.

For More Information: For more details on the PAC name change, to read about opportunities to get involved, or to make a donation, visit www.buckeyefirearms.org.

About Buckeye Firearms Association The Buckeye Firearms Association^TM is a non-partisan political action committee promoting education and grassroots activism. The Association's primary focus is the election of candidates who desire to defend the constitutional right of Ohioans to bear arms for self-defense and improve Ohio laws regarding lawful firearms ownership. For more information, please visit www.buckeyefirearms.org.

Main Media/ Organization Contact:
Jim Irvine, Chairman
Ken Hanson, Legislative Chair

Chad D. Baus
Vice Chairman/ Northwest Ohio Chair