“I’m a good democrat,” Lovely told the governor. “I love what you are doing for education and I think we’re on the road to better times.”
Strickland is a rare democrat who has received the support of the National Rifle Association, a fact Strickland didn’t shy away from as he visited the trap shooting range. A large trailer noting the NRA endorsement sat in front of the Sportsmen’s Club complex, while members of Strickland’s support staff wore button’s citing the same.
“My record shows I am a strong supporter of the second amendment,” Strickland said. “I voted against the assault weapon ban and have always supported the rights of people to have firearms as well as supporting hunting, fishing, and trapping.”
John Kasich, Strickland’s republican opponent, also supports gun owner’s rights, according to his website.
Although Strickland did not shoot a rifle on this day, he said he had been a hunter as a child and helped start a statewide youth turkey hunting trip during his time as governor.
Strickland said that he had no qualms about appearing in traditionally conservative Butler County.
“Conservatives ought to vote for me,” Strickland said, citing his efforts to cut taxes, reduce government and his support of the Second Amendment.
Poll numbers released earlier in the day showed Strickland making advances on Kasich. Whereas Strickland had at times trailed Kasich by 17 percent of the vote, the newest numbers showed 49 percent in favor of Kasich and 45 percent favoring Strickland.
Strickland’s running mate, Yvette McGee Brown, appeared at the IBEW Union Hall in Hamilton.
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