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election 2006 ohio governor's race
Candidates support gun ownership
Friday, September 08, 2006
The major-party candiates for governor, Rep. Ted Strickland, the Democratic candidate, and Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, the Republican candidate, recently answered our questions on gun-related issues.
Q Current law gives journalists access to the names of people who hold permits to carry concealed weapons, but a pending bill would close off that access. Should the media continue to have access?
Blackwell: No. "A law-abiding citizen's personal information should remain personal. Making their personal information available to the press would needlessly put law-abiding citizens in potentially dangerous situations."
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Strickland: No. "What we're talking about here is a basic, fundamental right that is guaranteed in the constitution and it seems reasonable to me that unless or until someone demonstrates cause, that their privacy, when it comes to exercising this right, should not be violated."
Q House Bill 347 would block local governments from passing local gun regulations, such as an assault weapons' ban or gun registries. Should local governments be barred from passing local gun regulations?
Blackwell: Yes. "The right to life and liberty are unalienable. To allow municipal governments to make their residents second class citizens in relation to their personal protection is discriminatory."
Strickland: Yes. "I generally support home rule but I've told (Ohio mayors) that I make this exception because I do think we're talking about a right that is guaranteed in the constitution, which sets it apart."
Q House Bill 347 also proposes eliminating a requirement that concealed weapons permit holders keep guns in plain sight while in vehicles. Should permit holders be required to keep their guns in plain sight in vehicles?
Blackwell: No.
Strickland: No. "That does not make sense to me. I think that could result in some bad things happening."
Q Would you sign HB347?
Blackwell: Yes.
Strickland: Yes.
Q Straw buyers purchase handguns in bulk. To curb this, should purchases be limited to one handgun per month?
Blackwell: No. "Those limits would adversely affect law-abiding gun collectors, families buying for their personal protection, and legitimate businesses."
Strickland: No.
Q Should background checks be required for all gun sales, even at gun shows and flea markets?
Blackwell: No. "This requirement is cumbersome and ineffective. Buying a firearm is not a criminal activity."
Strickland: No. "I would not support that requirement."
Q House Bill 541 would make self-defense claims easier when a person uses deadly force if home or car is intruded upon. Should this change be made?
Blackwell: Yes. "The victim of a crime should have a right to defend themselves without being made out to be criminal themselves."
Strickland: "I'm not aware of all the specifics in that particular bill, but essentially, I would be supportive, certainly."
Q What would you do to encourage parents to make sure that guns are safely stored away from teens and children?
Blackwell: "I would support legislation that mandates safety programs such as the NRA's Eddie Eagle."
Strickland: "Education is essential and I would encourage the various sportsmen groups and others to widely disseminate information on proper gun safety procedures ... There needs to be an understanding on the part of parents that they're responsible for the proper education and supervision of their kids."
Q What is your view of the Second Amendment?
Blackwell: "I support the Second Amendment right of every law-abiding Ohioan to keep and own firearms for hunting, personal protection and any other lawful purpose."
Strickland: "I think it is a part of our constitutional system that keeps us a free people. It is something I take seriously and have throughout my political career."
