On Sunday Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland participated in the Opening Shot of the National Rifle and Pistol Matches being held at Camp Perry in Port Clinton through mid August.

As far as I can remember no other Ohio governor has ever visited Camp Perry during the National Matches, let alone participated in the ceremonial first shot. The matches are co-sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association.

But what this demonstrates is the high regard the NRA has for Strickland, whom the association recently endorsed for a second term.

The appearance also highlights how much Strickland covets the NRA's and the shooting community's backing.

- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn
JFrischkorn@News-Herald.com