Ohio Gambling Opposition

In a press conference, US Senator Voinovich called for raising taxes instead of predatory gambling because of its detrimental effects on families --

Voinovich acknowledged that Strickland had a tough choice to make, but said if he were governor, he would have raised taxes, as he did amid intense criticism in 1992.

"Based on his past comments, he knows this is not in the best interest of Ohio families," Voinovich charged. "These slots will run 24 hours a day and be available to even people who aren't old enough to buy alcoholic beverages.

"And I think he's got to understand," the Republican senator continued, "that when it comes to gambling, you can't be half-pregnant. The expansion of the lottery is opening the door to full-blown gambling in this state."

The news conference was called by Ohio Roundtable leader David Zanotti. The pair also ripped into Issue 3, the casino constitutional amendment backed by Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert that will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Zanotti said voters have soundly rejected expanded gambling four times since 1990. He, Voinovich and Strickland all oppose Issue 3, which if approved, would allow casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.

Voinovich called the casinos a threat to Ohio families and values.

"These greedy vultures know that in hard economic times, the last thing you need is a casino in your back yard to make things even worse," the senator said.

The Issue 3 campaign, however, touts the four-casino plan as an economic starter, promising to create jobs, aid education and spur development in Ohio's four largest cities.