Gun-rights advocates plead their case in Columbus

By MARC KOVAC

news@vin dy.com

COLUMBUS

Blanche Luczyk wanted to talk about her support for criminal background checks for individuals wanting to buy firearms.

The suburban Columbus woman and gun owner probably did not anticipate the dozens of gun-rights advocates holding the

opposite opinion who would show up during a midday event Friday in downtown Columbus to vocalize their disagreement.

“It takes 90 seconds to get a background check,”

Luczyk said over the shouts of onlookers, many holding signs that read “Pro

Civil Rights” and “Leave Our Guns Alone.”

She added, “It is just plain common sense to allow

local law-enforcement

officials to conduct background checks on those who wish to purchase

handguns.”

Luczyk was one of a handful of people supporting Mayors Against Illegal Guns, which is pushing for tougher gun-control laws. New York City Mayor

Michael Bloomberg is

co-chairman of the group and a major backer.

The Columbus stop was aimed at urging Republican Sen. Rob Portman to change his stance on gun-related

issues.

But upward of 75 gun-rights advocates also got wind of the press event and were on hand to show their support for Portman and opposition to stricter gun- control efforts.

“There is no reason for Mayors Against Illegal Guns to be in Ohio,” said Linda Walker, representing the Buckeye Firearms Association and a board member of the National Rifle Association. “Ohioans stand up for our constitutional rights, and that’s the way it’s going to be.”