Ohio Supreme Court to consider to vote on slots

COLUMBUS (AP) — Racetrack slot machines were approved in the latest state budget, but now the Ohio Supreme Court will consider whether voters should have a say on slots.

The court hears arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by LetOhioVote.org, a conservative group that wants a referendum on the slots plan placed on the November 2010 ballot.

The lawsuit challenges the legal authority of Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, to reject the group’s petitions seeking to go to the ballot.

The state on Tuesday submitted an affidavit that it said indicates gambling giant Penn National Gaming is providing financial backing for LetOhioVote.org. The company is supporting a competing proposal for casinos in four cities.

Penn National denies the affidavit’s allegations.