Restraining order against casino backers' deceptive practices to stand until July 3, Betras warns citizens to be wary of petition fraud

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair David Betras, Mahoning County Commissioner John McNally and attorneys representing the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee have agreed that a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued against the backers of the casino gambling scheme should remain in place until July 3. The lawsuit filed against the Committee on behalf of the Mahoning County Democratic Party will be voluntarily dismissed at that time.

"I'm confident that we would have won the case had we moved forward," Mr. Betras said. "But the fact is that we are running out of time. If we had learned of this activity earlier I'm confident we would have prevailed in court and exposed the fact that the interests behind this casino scheme are willing to do anything to establish their gambling monopoly in Ohio." A copy of the Plaintiff's Response to the Motion to Dismiss is attached to this release.

Mr. Betras and Mr. McNally filed suit against the Committee and its employees after receiving a videotape in which petition circulators blatantly violated the law by lying to people about the gambling issue. The workers on the tape made the following false statements:

1. The petition will create factory jobs and industry jobs in the State of Ohio;
2. The petition is not for the casinos;
3. The petition is not to allow the building of casinos in Ohio;
4. The state of Ohio will be giving money to create jobs;
5. A casino will be built in Youngstown; and
6. The Ohio Constitution will not be amended if the petition is approved.

The tape may be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcalu70Puy0

"While I'm pleased that the TRO will remain in place for the duration of the petition drive, I'm disappointed that I won't have an opportunity to depose the people who are responsible for the illegal acts that have been and quite possibly still are being committed," Mr. Betras said.

Mr. Betras also warned Ohioans to be wary when they are approached by petition circulators. "Clearly they are willing to say just about anything in order to get the signatures they need. Be cautious, ask questions, and, if you don't like or believe the answers, don't sign."

Mr. Betras said he will continue to take calls from citizens who believe agents of the Committee are committing election fraud. "We want to document every violation of the law because we believe it's important to hold the Committee accountable for its actions," he said. Anyone wishing to report a questionable incident should call 1-800-457-2889

For more information please contact David Betras at 330-503-9696.