Governor Strickland and Congressman Kasich Headline Sportsmen's Rally

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and his challenger this fall, Fox News Commentator and former Congressman John Kasich, will be the Keynote Speakers at the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's (USSAF) 14th Annual "Save Our Heritage" Rally to be held Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the Aladdin Shrine Temple in Columbus. 

"Sportsmen represent the backbone of Ohio's conservation effort," said USSAF President and CEO Bud Pidgeon.  "We're honored that both Governor Strickland and Congressman Kasich will be joining us in recognition of the role sportsmen play in making Ohio one of the best states in the country for wildlife."

The event, sponsored by Gander Mountain, is a chance for citizens from across Ohio to gather and celebrate the victories of sportsmen and sportswomen everywhere and to raise the funds necessary to ensure the future of our hunting, fishing and trapping heritage.  It has also become the place to be for influential leaders and candidates seeking higher office to address a key constituency, Ohio's hunters and anglers.  Previous speakers have included former presidential candidate John McCain, Governor Strickland, Republican Senate Candidate Rob Portman, and Former Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.  This also represents a unique opportunity for sportsmen to make their voices heard to top political leaders and to hear from the two men who aspire to lead Ohio for the next four years.

"I am very excited to share an evening with my fellow hunters and anglers," said Governor Strickland.  "Sportsmen are an absolutely vital part of this great state's heritage.  They are the driving force behind wildlife conservation and a major economic engine for Ohio." 

Congressman Kasich echoes those sentiments.

"Ohio's abundant wildlife and beautiful natural resources are cherished by all of us.  I applaud sportsmen for their stewardship of these resources and for the USSAF's leadership in helping Ohioans to learn about the outdoors by defending and promoting hunting and fishing," said Kasich.  "I look forward to continuing to talk with Ohio sportsmen this summer and attending the rally in September to thank them for what they do for Ohio's natural resources.  Together we can make sure future Ohioans appreciate the joys of hunting and fishing and value the conservation efforts of which sportsmen are an essential part."

One of the event highlights will be the Grand Prize drawing where one lucky attendee will take deed to a 20 plus acre sportsmen's paradise in southeastern Ohio.  Besides the grand prize, many other items, including firearms, bows, outstanding hunting and fishing trips and much more will be available through both silent and live auctions.  CLICK HERE for a partial list of Live Auction items and other Rally information.

Tickets are available now, but seating is limited so make your reservations today!  To reserve your seat CLICK HERE to buy tickets online or call 614-888-4868 to purchase tickets by credit card today!

The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation protects and defends America's wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them.  The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussafoundation.org.

SOURCE U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation