Kasich Shows His Hypocrisy on the Second Amendment

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.

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