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On third anniversary of Dayton tragedy, Mike DeWine and Nan Whaley are on opposite sides of gun issues

It’s been three years since the mass shooting in Dayton where a gunman opened fire on a busy street in the city, killing nine people. To mark the anniversary, Democratic candidate for governor Nan Whaley accused incumbent Mike DeWine of “cowardly inaction” on gun violence.

Former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley was with Mike DeWine during a vigil for the victims of the shooting three years ago when the crowd chanted “do something” – a call Whaley says DeWine has failed to answer.

“He gave up without a fight when the politics got too hard.”

But DeWine said his administration has worked to reduce violent crimes with law enforcement and increase criminal database reporting.

“We have done a lot of different things in regard to violent crime. That does not mean we're satisfied.”

DeWine has said he dropped his previous proposals on gun regulations because there was no support in the Republican-dominated legislature.

Whaley said Ohio needs a governor who will fight for the issue.

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.