Issue campaigns raised at least $32.5 million

Issue campaigns have become a goldmine for political consultants and advertising types. A study released today by Ohio Citizen Action found contributors to the state's four issue campaigns raised more than $32.5 million through Oct. 18. Final figures are due to Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell's office by Dec. 15.

More than half the money raised came from gambling proponents, who contributed $19.5 million on Issue 3, which would have placed slot machines at seven horsetracks and two stand-alone sites in Cleveland. About 57 percent of Ohioans voted against Issue 3 on Nov. 7.

River Downs Investment Co., which operates a racetrack in Anderson Township, contributed $2 million to the proponents' total, according to finance reports. Lebanon Raceway in Warren County contributed $47,658 as well as to the Ohio Legacy Fund.

In contrast, opponents to Issue 3 contributed about $701,000, although it's likely more donations will be reported in this month's reports to Blackwell's office.

The full study is available here:

An overview of the history of statewide ballot initiatives and successful ballot campaigns in Ohio can be found here:

Catherine Turcer, legislative director for the public-advocacy group, said the dualing smoking issues were the first since 1950.

Proponents of the less-restrictive smoking ban, Issue 4, which was defeated, contributed $6.3 million. Proponents of Issue 5, the total ban on smoking in public places and workplaces which won, raised $1.8 million through Oct. 18.

Supporters of Issue 2, which raised Ohio's minimum wage to $6.85 an hour on Jan. 1 raised nearly $3 million, nearly two-thirds of the total coming from labor unions. Opponents, mostly major restaurants and corporations, raised more than $1.2 million in a failed attempt to defeat Issue 2.

Turcer said the $32.5 million raised is possibly the most money raised in any election year for ballot issue campaigns, at least in recent state history.