Supporters of Issue 3 countered by arguing that the opposition, fueled by a West Virginia casino and Ohio racetracks about to get slot machines,
is trying to confuse voters.
Sen. Teresa Fedor (D., Toledo), one of eight newly named co-chairmen for opposition group Truth PAC, said the absence of an explicit exemption in the proposed constitutional amendment for the continued operation of charitable casino nights is worrisome when the ballot issue specifically allows for the continuation of the lottery and bingo.
“The Roman Catholic Church and veterans’ organizations generate millions of dollars, and it goes to great causes — Ohio Veterans Homes, organizations in our community …” she said, stressing that government won’t be able to fill the void.
Attorney General Richard Cordray’s staff also has raised questions.
“The staff analysis determined that, if the amendment passes, it would create a risk that a court could determine that some games of chance currently operated by charitable organizations would no longer be allowed,” Cordray spokesman Ted Hart said.
Law firms hired by the pro-casino Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee and the Fraternal Order of Police union that has endorsed Issue 3 reached the opposite conclusion, determining that the Ohio Supreme Court is unlikely to overturn existing law absent an explicit prohibition on charitable gambling in the constitution.
“Our amendment only affects one section of the constitution,” said Charlie Luken, a Jobs and Growth spokesman. “It doesn’t affect anything that has to do with the Ohio Revised Code. This is a stretch of the imagination, and we’re surprised to have it pushed by a coalition of people who are trying to protect the state budget, slot machines, and out-of-state casinos.”