Democratic texts, redistricting, conceal carry
Ohio’s hopes of a complete May 3 primary were dashed this week, conceal carry gun permits became optional and we learned how six of the state’s mayors really feel about a range of issues.
We break down what it all means on this week’s episode of Ohio Politics Explained.
It’s a podcast from the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau where we catch you up on the state’s political news in 15 minutes or less. This week, host Anna Staver was joined by reporter Laura Bischoff.
1) When the group chat goes public
Six Democratic mayors found their text messages on display this week following a records request from the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau.
The group chat was between the mayors of Akron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Toledo and Youngstown. And they talked about everything from political corruption scandals and the murder of George Floyd to COVID-19 legislation, gun control and Gov. Mike DeWine.
2) DeWine signs constitutional carry
Ohio’s governor signed a law this week that will eliminate the need for a concealed carry permit starting June 12.
The new law lets anyone 21 or older carry a concealed firearm so long as they are legally allowed to own the weapon. Gun owners also won’t have to notify officers that they’re armed, but they could face criminal charges for lying when asked.
3) No May, no way
The third set of state House and Senate maps were struck down by the Ohio Supreme Court Wednesday night –squashing hopes of a complete May 3 primary.
The court ordered the Ohio Redistricting Commission to draw a new set of state House and Senate maps by March 28.
The deadline to mail ballots to overseas Ohioans is March 18, which means it is now impossible to get the state House and Senate districts on those ballots.
4) Texts from Larry
Former House Speaker Larry Householder may be out of office and facing public corruption charges, but that hasn’t stopped him from weighing in on legislative issues.
Householder texted several Republican representatives last month and urged them to vote against a data privacy bill.
Listen to “Ohio Politics Explained” on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts and TuneIn Radio. The episode is also available by clicking the link at the top of the article.
The USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau serves The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.