Ohio One Step Away From Concealed Carry

CNSNEWS.com ^ | 12/11/03 | Susan Jones

[kattracks]

(CNSNews.com) - A pro-gun group is urging Ohio Gov. Bob Taft to sign a bill that would allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons.

The bill isn't perfect, said Ohioans for Concealed Carry, but nevertheless, the group believes it will serve as a deterrent to violent crime.

"Ohio's defenseless citizens deserve a law that will allow them the same right to survive a criminal encounter as citizens in every bordering state, and 44 [states] across the nation now enjoy," said Ohioans for Concealed Carry in a press release.

The group points to a series of recent carjacking incidents in Ohio as one of the justifications for allowing people to carry a concealed weapon for defensive purposes.

"We need to give Ohioans the choice to defend themselves," said Jim Irvine, Ohioans for Concealed Carry spokesman.

People applying for concealed carry permits in Ohio would have to undergo training and background checks.

Ohioans for Concealed Carry has staged various "defense walks" in recent months, including one outside the governor's mansion, to rally support for the concealed carry bill that has finally emerged from the State Legislature.

"Ohio is about to finally join the forty-four states who have proven this is sound public policy," said Jeff Garvas, Ohioans for Concealed Carry president, in a press release.

"Recently, the FBI reported that, for the first time in forty years, Michigan's per capita crime rate fell below Ohio's in the wake of passage of their concealed carry law."

Proponents of concealed carry believe Ohio's crime rate will also drop, once the bill is signed into law.

[samtheman]

Especially car-jackings. I've read they go down drastically in areas where citizens carry concealed.

[earlyapex]

That depends on whether the bill contains the provision that requires drivers to lock their firearm in the glove compartment or trunk whenever anyone under 18 years of age is also in the vehicle.

Don't laugh. It was actually in the bill, based on a recommendation from the state police.

In that form, however, there would likely be nominal car jacking deterrence

[samtheman]

But doesn't concealed carry mean I can strap it on under my jacket, whether walking or driving?

[Captiva]

Yeah! Right? I recently signed off the OFCC-chat mailing list... any idea what version of which bill made it through?

[FreedomPoster]

It means what the local enabling legislation says it means. And the State Police, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Governor Taft, "recommended" language that said when carrying in a car, you had to have the gun remote from you and unloaded, or some such. In any case, not at hand and useful for self-defense.

Taft needs to be impeached. Barring that, ejected at the polls in the next election.

[chadwimc]

Your article assumes Taft will sign the bill. Taft is a LIAR!!! Taft will never sign a concealed carry bill into law. Taft is a Republican who was in the Peace Corps for Christ's sake!!! Who ever picked this turd for governor should be run outta Columbus on a rail...

[Orangedog]

Boob Taxt is term limited. He knows that he can be the big government RINO that always has been and not have to worry about facing the voters.

If the Ohio GOP manages to railroad Betty Montgomery or Jim Petro (or anyone other than Blackwell) onto the ballot in 06, I'll vote for the other party. No RINO will EVER get my vote again.

[Orangedog]

Taxt has said that he will veto this one because everyone and their brother won't be able to find out who has a CCW permit. The house has the votes to over-ride it, but the senate is another story.

[Loyal Buckeye]

Sam,

Taft's career will be over after he serves his second term; governors in Ohio can only serve two consecutive terms but can be reelected again after sitting out a term. In any event, I think his political career is coming to an end.

His motivation behind adding a surprise last minute hurdle for the legislation (maintaining a list of all permit holders) is really strange. This requirement caught everyone by surprise and the legislature wasn't informed until the last minute and on the day the House and Senate committes were meeting to compromise. The only way this legislation will become law is via an override of Taft's veto.

[Puppage]

"Ohio's defenseless citizens deserve a law that will allow them the same right to survive a criminal encounter as citizens in every bordering state, and 44 [states] across the nation now enjoy,"

I believe that's incorrect. As a CT CCW holder I watch these things with a very close eye. I believe the correct number of states with CCW is 37. Am I being picky here?

[waterstraat]

Especially car-jackings. I've read they go down drastically in areas where citizens carry concealed.

Esp in Louisianna where they passed a special law that clearly states that it is legal to shoot someone who tries to carjack.

So what is Taft going to do?

[FreedomPoster]

I think that may be the difference between states with concealed carry, and states with shall-issue concealed carry. As you know, it's a big difference. Heck, California has concealed carry - just try to get one. Ditto New York and several others.

[waterstraat]

I believe that's incorrect. As a CT CCW holder I watch these things with a very close eye. I believe the correct number of states with CCW is 37.

I thought the number of states of "shall issue" was 36, but some state recently vetoed the ccw bill. The total number is more than 36, because some other states, like NY and California DO allow ccw( but only if you are rich and famous or an ex-cop)

[Sinner6]

but some state recently vetoed the ccw bill

that would be wisconsin, Doyle is a turd

[umgud]

CA CCW issuance mirrors the red/blue map. Counties that are rural or conservative issue permits in numbers that would surprise you. Kern county has issued thousands of CCW permits, while blue areas such as L.A., Frisco, etc. have issued few to none.

[Feckless]

I'll finally be legal while visiting the in-laws.....

[steve50]

f the Ohio GOP manages to railroad Betty Montgomery or Jim Petro (or anyone other than Blackwell) onto the ballot in 06, I'll vote for the other party. No RINO will EVER get my vote again.

Our choices are really limited here. I had one Constitution Party member on the ballot last time around. I'm not a big fan of their platform but he's the only candidate I voted for. Ohio is ate up with RINO's. I'd like to see the libertarian leaning conservatives make a better effort to field candidates, of course it would have to be outside the GOP.

[Joe Brower]