Economy Hovers Over Ohio Casino Referendum Vote

JULIE CARR SMYTH

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The best way to solve Ohio's 10 percent unemployment rate was at the heart of Tuesday's election as voters decided whether to reverse their two-decade old opposition to gambling and support casinos and potential new jobs.

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo was the top issue this campaign season.

Backers say it could produce 40,000 full-time and part-time jobs; critics, however, are dubious of that position.

It's the most divisive election day topic; more was spent in the state on the gambling proposal than during 2008's hotly contested presidential contest.

It is the fifth gambling proposal Ohio voters have seen in 20 years. They roundly rejected the others. Ohio would become the 39th state to legalize casinos if the measure were approved and would join neighboring casino states Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Elizabeth Groen, 56, voting in the Cincinnati suburb of Anderson Township Tuesday morning, supports casinos.