It's Necessary: Gov. DeWine firmly in the pocket of gun lobby

In the aftermath of the 2019 mass shooting in Dayton, Ohioans gathered at a vigil for the victims. Those in the crowd began shouting "Do something!" at Gov. Mike DeWine, pressing him to take action that would prevent more senseless gun deaths.

DeWine did do something: He showed he was firmly in the holster, er, pocket, of the gun lobby and right-wing politics. The governor signed into law a bill that eliminates training and permits for Ohioans to carry concealed firearms. It even eliminates a requirement for people to inform law enforcement officers whether they're packing heat. The new law might help DeWine bolster his reelection bid and fend off his far-right challengers. But much like he did when he cowed to extremists during the pandemic, DeWine has again shown he'll put politics before the safety of Ohioans.

More: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed permitless carry. Why his gun record leaves him open to attack.

Kevin Necessary is an illustrator and editorial cartoonist. His editorial cartoons appear Sundays in The Enquirer.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: It's Necessary: Gov. DeWine firmly in the pocket of gun lobby