by: Gene Koprowski.
A coalition of business groups gave its support this
week to Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to expand gambling, surprising many
observers.
Restaurant owners, grocers and beer and wine wholesalers are now allied with the Harness Horsemen's Association to support Strickland's plan to allow slot machines run by the Ohio Lottery at Ohio's horse racing tracks.
According to John Mahaney, longtime lobbyist for the Ohio Council of RetailMerchants, Gov. Strickland demonstrated courage by being willing to reverse his previous opinion on the plan.
The Ohio Roundtable has successfully fought four campaigns to change Ohio's constitution to legalize casino gambling in the state, views Strickland's change of position as shocking.
"What this is really about is about the rule of law," said President David Zanotti. "We're very upset with the fact that the governor has basically tried to redefine the Constitution to make it mean what he wants it to mean."
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