Ohio senator blasts governor on gambling

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer: "U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, a longtime gambling opponent, called out Gov. Ted Strickland on Thursday for flipping his position on gambling and authorizing slot machine betting at Ohio racetracks.

"Voinovich, speaking during a news conference called to oppose the slots plan and a separate casino issue, raised his voice, pounded a lectern and twice referred to God as the source that has helped opponents beat back every prior attempt at full-fledged gambling here.

"Strickland's office responded, saying the Democratic governor knew he would be criticized but offers no apologies for making the tough call for slots to help balance Ohio's budget.

"Voinovich, a former Ohio governor and Cleveland mayor, recalled how Strickland joined him in 2006 to oppose a gambling ballot proposal and came out against another gambling proposal just last year, saying it was bad for Ohio families and not the route to economic recovery.

"Strickland's plan, backed by the state legislature and approved in July, legalizes up to 17,500 slot machines at Ohio's seven horse-racing tracks under the authority of the Ohio Lottery..."