COLUMBUS, Ohio-- Ohio issued a record 56,691 concealed
handgun licenses in 2009.
That tops the previous high of 45,497 set in 2004 when the concealed handgun law first went into effect. It's also the third-straight year for an increase.
State Attorney General Richard Cordray attributes the increase to more Ohioans feeling comfortable exercising their right to carry concealed handguns.
Jim Irvine, chairman of the Buckeye Firearms Association, says he thinks more people are concerned that President Barack Obama is
going to do something to limit gun ownership.
But Toby Hoover, executive director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence, blames firearms supporters for creating that fear in order to drive up membership in their groups.
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