Ohio voters hard hit by the economic downturn have opened the state to casino gambling after an
expensive campaign promising thousands of jobs.
With all precincts reporting unofficial results, Issue 3 passed 53 percent to 47 percent.
In Franklin County, the majority of voters cast ballots against casinos, with 58 percent of them voting against Issue 3, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.
Mayor Michael Coleman was one of those opposed to the plan.
"I did not support it and I don't think it's the right thing for the state or the city," Coleman said. "But, having said that, I think what needs to happen now is the state legislature needs to intervene."
WEB EXTRA: Get Election Results | SPECIAL SECTION: Campaign 2009
It was the fifth attempt in 20 years to open the state to some new form of gambling, this time with casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.
In Columbus, a casino is slated to be constructed on Nationwide Boulevard, just west of Nationwide Arena, Ramos reported.
Casino construction is expected to begin in 2010, and according to supporters, the casinos will create 35,000 jobs across the state.
It marked a significant victory for Penn National Gaming Inc. and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan
Gilbert, who spent nearly $35 million promoting four big-city casinos in Columbus, Cleveland,
Cincinnati and Toledo. An economic impact study commissioned by the campaign predicted nearly
40,000 temporary and permanent jobs and $4 billion in economic impact, though social costs were not
considered.
State Rep. Lou Blessing, a Republican who fought the plan, said he plans to push a ballot
issue next May that amends elements of the plan, collects more taxes from the casinos and puts the
licenses up for bid.
Issue 1: Veteran Bonuses Pass Easily
Ohio voters opened their wallets to veterans, and on Tuesday easily approved bonuses of up to
$1,000 for those who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan or Iraq.
Voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing $200 million in bonds to be issued to
pay for the bonuses, which will amount to $100 a month up to $1,000.
The issue received 72 percent support.
Veterans who served outside war zones during those conflicts will get $50 a month up to $500.
Family members may also apply for a death benefit of $5,000, which will be based on an application
process.
This marks the first time the state will pay bonuses for a war that hasn't ended, but Ohio
has paid similar veterans' bonuses throughout history.
Issue 2: Livestock Standards Approved
A ballot issue creating a new board that oversees livestock care was approved by 64 percent of voters.
The issue was intended to thwart efforts by the Humane Society of the United States to outlaw holding sows, hens and veal calves in cramped cages or crates.
Michael Markarian, the Humane Society's chief operating officer, said the group will return to Ohio with a future ballot measure that protects animals.
"By packaging Issue 2 as a pro-animal and pro-food safety measure, the factory farming interests
really did everything they could to ensure its passage," he said. "We never really viewed it as a
poisonous measure but we viewed it as an empty one, because it doesn't achieve any reforms for
animal welfare."
Large farm operators mounted a $4 million campaign to pass the issue, which was backed by
Gov. Ted Strickland, while environmental, animal rights and other activists fought it mostly
through the press and the Internet.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing Campaign 2009 coverage.
