US Sportsmen Alliance Ohio Legislature Sportsmen's Caucus

By Larry S. Moore

The US Sportsmen Alliance (USSA) was formed in the 1970s following a trapping issue on the Ohio ballot. The group was originally named the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America. The name was changed to USSA a few years ago to better reflect the nature of their activities. USSA is a national organization headquartered in Columbus. They work with a broad range of sportsmen issues. Recent Ohio issues include the dove hunting referendum and the state budget to protect sportsmen license fee money.

Two important areas for gun owners in Ohio are the bi-annual open house the USSA hosts at the Columbus Athletic Club. This is held at the start of each new General Assembly cycle. The other is the General Assembly Legislative Caucus.

The open house is an opportunity for sportsmen to meet and greet the State Representatives and Senators. Typically the Senate President or Speaker of the House gives the keynote address. I attended in 2003 when then Senate President Doug White made his now infamous statement regarding concealed carry that he did not care how big a gun is or how many rounds it may hold as long as a law abiding citizen holds the gun he would not be concerned. Of course, we all know that a short one year later, Senator White would abandon that principled statement and cave into pressure from Governor Taft and the Ohio Highway Patrol on key sections of HB 12.

The USSA legislative sportsmen caucus is another important tool for gauging how your State Representative or Senator stands on sportsmen issues. Looking at the names on the caucus I found that all the State Reps listed are also co-sponsors of the original HB 12. They are gun friendly and knowledgeable on the issues. I am most happy to see my State Representative Chris Widener as a caucus member. I know Chris personally and know his involvement and position. I’ve shot trap and sporting clays with Chris. Even knowing those things, it is good to see his membership in the caucus. I know that my State Representative is utilizing another means to stay on top of the issues. I know that the US Sportsmen Alliance is adding their voice and weight to my issues and concerns.

Ohio Legislative Sportsmen Caucus members are listed below. If your State Rep or Senator is listed as a member, take the opportunity to send a short note or email thanking them for their continued awareness and support. If you don't find their name, a contact suggesting that their name belongs on the membership role is appropriate. There is nothing like constituent contacts and awareness to keep our legislators working for us.

For more information on the US Sportsmen Alliance, go to http://www.ussportsmen.org

Caucus Members (Provided courtesy of US Sportsmen Alliance)

Representatives:

Steve Buehrer, R-Delta
Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green
Joseph Uecker, R-Loveland
Chris Redfern, D-Catawba Island
Mark Wagoner, R-Toledo
Chuck Blasdel, R-East Liverpool
Chris Widener, R-Springfield
Kenneth Carano, D-Austintown
Matthew Dolan, R-Novelty
Tim Cassell, D-Wooster
Diana Fessler, R-New Carlisle
Randy Law, R-Warren
John Boccieri, D-Middletown
Keith Faber, R-Celina
John Williamowski, R-Lima
Michelle Schneider, R-Cincinnati
Allan Sayre, D-Dover
Clyde Evans, R-Rio Grande
Arlene Setzer, R-Vandalia
Jeff Wagner, R-Sycamore
Scott Oeslager, R-Canton
Jim Hughes, R-Columbus
Derrick Seaver, R-Minster
Thom Collier, R-Mount Vernon
Courtney Combs, R-Fairfield
Bill Hartnett, D-Mansfield
Bill Coley, R-West Chester
Jim Aslanides, R-Coshocton

Senators:

Lynn Wachtmann, R-Napoleon
Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green
Gary Cates, R-West Chester
Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland
Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton
Jim Jordan, R-Urbana