Public Policy Advocates

Ohio’s most contentious ballot issue in 2009 was Issue 3, an amendment to the Ohio Constituion allowing for the creation of a casino in each of four metropolitan areas: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo.  Supporters of the issue claimed that it would create 34,000 jobs in the state, and encourage almost $1 billion in local spending, while also contributing much needed tax dollars to the state.  Opponents of Issue 3 claimed that any jobs created might not go to Ohioans, and the negative social problems associated with gambling, namely crime, prostitution, and drugs, would outweigh any financial benefits provided.

Both sides of the issue spent millions on television commercials trying to convince the voters.  In financial reports filed on October 22nd, the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee, Issue 3 supporters, reported expenditures of nearly $32 million, while Truth PAC, Issue 3 opponents, reported expenditures of approximately $5 million.  In the end, voters approved of the plan to allow casino gambling in Ohio, passing the amendment by a narrow margin of 53% to 47% against.