In this week's Snollygoster, Ohio's political podcast from WOSU Public Media, hosts Mike Thompson and Steve Brown take odds on whether the state will make a play for sports gambling. Meanwhile, down at the Statehouse, Republicans can't seem to agree on who to bet on for Speaker of the House.
Listen to Snollygoster on the WOSU Public Media mobile app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to leave a rating and review!
In this week's episode:
Gambling Advocates Are Feeling Lucky
Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows for legalized sports betting across the country, gambling proponent Rick Lertzman wants a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2019. Lawmakers may beat him to the punch.
Both of Ohio's candidates for governor, Mike DeWine and Richard Cordray, have shown support for legalizing sports betting. Cordray wants to use the money to fund things like police and teachers, while DeWine is concerned about special interest groups.
Leader Of The Pack
GOP state lawmakers have not been able to make a decision on who will be the next House Speaker, following the resignation of Cliff Rosenberger. Rosenberger stepped down amid an FBI inquiry into his relationships with lobbyists, but Republicans are split between who should replace him.
In a recent meeting, Rep. Ryan Smith was by far the biggest vote-getter but Rep. Larry Householder still has some support. The impasse has held up the House's pre-summer agenda.
John Kasich GPS
Our governor told the Michigan Press Association convention last weekend that the open waters of Lake Erie aren’t "impaired." Environmentalists were scratching their heads and Kasich now says his comments were taken out of context.
