Senate Dems Claim Strickland and Dann Are Abusing Power
From the Dispatch
The Ohio Senate is poised to move quickly on a bill aimed at shutting down electronic gambling machines in the state.
But Democrats aren’t happy about the rush, despite a push from Gov. Ted Strickland and Attorney General Marc Dann.
The measure banning cash payouts or prizes worth more than $10 from such machines passed the House last week with no public hearings. Wednesday morning, the Senate Rules Committee could hold its first and only hearing on the bill before sending it to the full Senate for an afternoon vote.
Businesses and gambling manufacturers so far have argued successfully in court that the machines are games of skill, legal under current Ohio law.
Democrats Strickland and Dann have asked the legislature to move quickly to shut down the slot-machine-like devices, which have spread to parlors, bars and racetracks across the state. But Senate Minority Leader Teresa Fedor, D-Toledo, doesn’t see the need to rush.
“We want the fair, open and transparent process that every bill deserves,” she said.
“I can’t guarantee any votes on this bill through this process. It’s an insult to democracy. I don’t care if it’s coming from the attorney general, the governor or any other leader, it’s an abuse of power.”
