Kasich promises to protect license dollars, right to bear arms; Latta honored with USSA Patriot Award

(Columbus, OH) – Ohio's Governor John Kasich opened the recent U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance "Save Our Heritage" Rally with a welcomed pledge to protect hunting and fishing license dollars as the state continues to work through the tough economy.

Prior to leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, Kasich noted, "I believe the most important thing is when you tell people you are going to do something that you do it. When I was here in 2010, I said I would fight for our right to bear arms and I have not let anybody get in the middle of that amendment right.

"We've kept our word to all the gun collectors and hunters in this state. Regarding the Wildlife Fund you all worry about being raided, well there ain't no way - no how! We will leave that fund strong.

"All the areas of habitat are important to us. We made a commitment to Lake Erie and Grand Lake St. Mary's. We are not just talking we are doing because it is important. We are promoting tourism because we think sportsmen all over America should come to Ohio. We hope the shale gas will bring some prosperity to that area."

The Governor also touted Ohio's improving economy, and sportsmen's role in creating jobs. He committed to continue his work to bring jobs and prosperity back to Ohio and welcomed partnership with anyone who shares that goal.

Kasich, who has addressed the group twice before, was joined at the rally by several of Ohio's most prominent elected officials including:

Also at the event, the USSA bestowed Congressman Latta, who currently represents Northwest Ohio's 5th district in Washington, with one of its highest honors. The honor — the Patriot Award— is awarded to people who have contributed throughout their lives to the protection and advancement of sportsmen's rights.

Latta has a 100% pro-sportsmen voting record in Congress, and when he previously served in Ohio's Senate and House of Representatives. Bob has been instrumental in protecting hunting license dollars from being used to bail out budget deficits, and most recently voted to protect, and open, federal lands to hunting access. Impervious to the partisanship that paralyzes Washington D.C., when it comes to sportsmen’s rights, Latta has never wavered.

"The Patriot Award is not awarded every year," explained USSA President and CEO Bud Pidgeon. "It is reserved for only those few who have gone far beyond the call of duty in defense of our great outdoor heritage. We are thrilled to give the award to Mike and Bob, and look forward to our work with them on behalf of sportsmen."