Buckeye Firearms Association endorses Ted Strickland for Governor

Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) has announced Gov. Ted Strickland (D) as its first endorsed candidate of the 2010 general election cycle.

BFA made the announcement on Sunday during a fundraising event at the Pickaway County Sportsman's Club in Circleville, Ohio, with the Governor in attendance.

Governor Strickland has continued his long tradition of supporting Second Amendment rights during his first term as Governor. As a Congressman, his many pro-gun votes, including opposing President Clinton by voting against the "assault weapons" ban, consistently earned him an "A" rating from the NRA.

As Governor of Ohio, he signed HB450, giving our service members, ages 18-21, the ability to purchase handguns, similar to those in law enforcement. He also signed HB473, opening up hunting opportunities for the mobility-impaired. Many veterans, elderly, or otherwise impaired citizens now have the ability to take to the field for the first time in decades.

His support of SB184, Ohio's Castle Doctrine bill, returned Ohio law to the notion that one is innocent until proven guilty should they need to defend themselves or their family while at home. SB184 also protects crime victims who are sued by their attackers for injuries sustained while trying to rape or kill someone. This bill also clearly defined a "loaded" gun, specified the proper way to transport all firearms in Ohio, and introduced many other needed improvements to Ohio firearm laws, for tenants, business owners, and visitors from other states traveling in Ohio.

"Whether your passion is hunting, sport shooting, self-defense, collecting, plinking or just supporting our constitutional right to keep and bear arms, you have no stauncher ally than Governor Ted Strickland. His consistent, tested and proven support for individual gun rights is second to none," said Jim Irvine, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Association.

"Governor Strickland has done more than sign good bills, he has proactively worked with the legislature, grassroots groups, experts and interested parties to pass laws that change peoples lives, improve peoples lives, and in some cases save people's lives."

Ken Hanson, Legislative Chair for Buckeye Firearms Association, said, "From working on gun rights legislation downtown, I personally know that Governor Strickland has always been willing to support gun owners whenever possible. Governor Strickland has taken official positions in support of gun bills early in the legislative process, and he has also personally picked up the phone to call legislators in his party and explain gun issues on a personal level. This willingness to interact and engage is far too rare in a Chief Executive."

Governor Strickland has done far more than just support "gun rights." He has embraced and promoted the outdoor, conservation, and hunting traditions of Ohio's sports-men. Even before he took office, he assembled a transition team to gather input from leading sportsmen and conservationists across Ohio regarding the wise use of our natural resources.

"He has continued the tradition of Fish Ohio Day promoting the resources of Lake Erie," said Larry S. Moore, outdoor writer and BFA Region Leader. "The resources of Lake Erie have been protected through the signing of the Great Lakes Compact. He started new traditions with the annual Governor's Youth Turkey hunt promoting both turkey hunting and youth in hunting. Along with First Lady Frances, he hosted the first Governor's Sportsmen Reception at the Governor's Residence. Governor Strickland also signed HB153, the Wildlife Violator Compact, strengthening the agreement among states to fight poaching."

"Governor Strickland has also pledged to protect sporting dog owners and their ability to breed, train and hunt with dogs in Ohio. Governor Strickland has been a strong supporter and staunch friend of Sportsmen in Ohio."

Jim Irvine concluded, "Governor Strickland has been everything we had hoped for in a Governor. However, there is more work to be done."

Media Coverage:
The Cincinnati Post - Strickland picks up support from another pro-gun group

The Chillicothe Gazette - 2nd pro-gun group endorses Gov. Strickland's re-election
(This article also appeared in several other Gannett News-owed Ohio newspapers)

Ohio News Network - Strickland Endorsed By Buckeye Firearms Association

USAToday - Strickland Endorsed By Buckeye Firearms Association

The Washington Post - Strickland Receives Buckeye Firearms Association Endorsement