Governor Of Ohio Praised For Revealing The Truth About Gambling

Governor Ted Strickland has been open in his thoughts that expanded gambling in Ohio is not something that he favors. Unlike most politicians, however, Strickland is not tied to his point of view so strongly that he would dismiss all others.

"What Governor Strickland is doing with the gambling issue in Ohio is truly respectable. While most politicians with his power would close the door on issues they believe in, Strickland is open to anything that could help his state through these tough economic times," said political analyst Sophie Reskrener.

On Thursday, Strickland revealed that he would like to search for other ways to bring revenue to Ohio. He also claimed, however, that if proposals were made, that he would examine them with an open mind.

The governor has built his political platform on his anti-gambling stance. In the past, he has always opposed any proposals to expand gambling in the state. In a state that echoes his views on gambling, Strickland will now have the unenviable task of convincing not only lawmakers, but also citizens that gambling can be good for Ohio.

"I can tell you if our economy was robust and growing and we were seeing job development occur without having expanded gambling in Ohio, that would be my preference. But I am trying to be a realist and understand that the circumstances that we are facing I believe are unprecedented," said Strickland.

The change of heart comes at a time when politicians in other states are looking out for themselves rather than the good of the people they represent.

In Florida, state lawmakers took almost an entire year to stop a compact made between Governor Charlie Crist and the Seminole Indians that would have expanded their gambling rights and given the state millions in revenue. Their reason for stopping the compact? They were not included in the negotiations.

That changes from opinion to fact when one considers that now those same lawmakers are in negotiations with the Seminole tribe to iron out a compact that will look eerily similar to the one the governor negotiated back in December of 2007.

Strickland has taken the high road in Ohio. Although his politician allies are against what Strickland is doing, he is putting himself out there for criticism. He risks people telling him his stances in the past were fraudulent.

As Reskrener states, however, "It is nice to see a politician that can leave his ego at the door and do what is best for his state. That is what they are elected to do in the first place, isn't it?" Indeed, it is.

The governor of Ohio is not sugar coating anything. He is upfront with his anti-gambling stance, and is admitting that the only reason he would consider expanding gambling in the state is for increased money. That is as honest as a politician could ever be.

January 10, 2009
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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