Former congressman Dennis Eckart filled in for Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland Cavs owner and leading proponent of Issue 3. Gilbert cancelled due to a travel issue. He has answered questions this week about a gambling arrest he had when he was 18.

"That is not something that is relevant today," Eckart said in response to a question by Capitol Square moderator Jim Heath. "It's been thoroughly vetted.  No one's said it amounts to anything more than a youthful indiscretion."

Issue 3 opponent Rob Walgate with Ohio Roundtable disagreed.

"I think it becomes relevant because it's a part of us and stays with us," Walgate said.  "We are accountable for our actions. It unfortunately stays with us longer than we'd like it to."

Casino opponent Sandy Theis with TruthPAC and supporter Bob Tenenbaum with Ohio Jobs and Growth debated the various studies on casinos that have been released.

"The criticism we hear is the tax rate is so low, the licensing is so low, social costs so high," Theis argued. "This is a bad deal for Ohio."

"It's astonishing to me that Rob can sit here and make it a point that our study with the University of Cincinnati was paid for, and now Sandy throws out her study that was paid for by the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association which is bar and restaurant owners against Issue 3," Tenenbaum fired back.

In an unusual moment, Reverend John Edgar with the Anti-gambling task force, and FOP Treasurer Mark Drum debated crime.

"This issue is as bad, it is worse, when it comes to issues of possible crime and corruption than the issue just a year ago when the FOP was with us," Edgar said.

"The FOP doesn't get a penny of this money," Drum responded.  "Our members don't get a penny of this money."

Finance reports from gambling interests have been released, showing what could be a record in campaign spending. Issue 3 proponents have spent $32 million dollars thus far. The opponents have spent nearly $5.5 million.  There's still a week to go before voters head to the polls.

Issue 3 would authorize gambling casinos in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo.

The constitutional amendment requires casino owners to pay a $50 million franchise fee, and a minimum of $250 million per facility.

The one hour long special Capitol Square airs Sunday at 10am, Noon and 7pm on ONN.

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