Outgoing Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich says he’s a Second Amendment guy, but he’s vetoing the latest gun bill, which included permitting off-duty officers to carry concealed firearms and placing tougher punishments of illegal straw purchasers, because a provision would have shifted the burden of proof in self-defense shootings. As of now, in Ohio, the shooter has to prove he or she legally acted in self-defense. Pro-gun rights groups say Ohio is the only state in the country that follows this protocol in these incidents.The Columbus Dispatchadded that Kasich was irritated that the legislature couldn’t come up with bipartisan red flag laws, which the governor said was scuttled over “rotten, stinking politics.” The fight isn’t over. There probably is going to be a veto override vote after Christmas:
Saying that signing a gun rights measure “would be detrimental to the safety of all of our citizens,” Gov. John Kasich vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have shifted the burden of proof in self-defense cases.
“I’m a Second Amendment guy. I also believe there are some important restrictions we need to place on the Second Amendment,” the outgoing governor told the Columbus Metropolitan Club earlier Wednesday.
The move sets up a potential veto override showdown when lawmakers return for rare post-Christmas sessions. Legislators also may seek to override potential vetoes of bills that grant pay raises to state and local elected officials, and one or two abortion-related measures, including the “heartbeat” bill. Any of those vetoes are expected Thursday or Friday.
Kasich expressed disappointment the legislature didn’t come close to approving changes proposed by a bipartisan group he formed, including a “red flag” law that would allow a judge to temporarily seize weapons of a gun owner suspected of being a threat to themselves or others.
“We can’t get it done over there. This really infuriates me,” Kasich told the near-capacity crowd.
The self-defense law was thought to be more palatable because a “stand-your-ground” provision was removed.
“Why would I sign a bill that gives more power to the gun advocates?” Kasich wondered.
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“The governor saw this for what it is — an extreme attempt to punish Ohio cities and towns for trying to address gun violence,” said Laura Lewis, volunteer leader with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety.
Hey, governor, just a bit of advice: Moms Demand is not your friend. They’re also an organization that dishes out data on school shootings that’s straight trash. It’s so bad that even The Washington Postcalled them out. Moms Demand is part of the Everytown For Gun Safety universe, with former New York Mayor creating the latter group by combining Moms Demand and Mayors Against Illegal Guns in 2014. And they appear to be happy with what Kasich has done. That’s not a good thing for someone who is thinking about running for president in 2020.