DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — The three candidates for Ohio attorney general debated Tuesday, Oct. 21, at an election forum hosted by the Dayton Daily News, a session that also heard arguments for and against a constitutional amendment authorizing gambling in Ohio and a referendum capping payday lending interest rates.

Restoring integrity and morale to an office racked by scandal was the common theme among the contenders for attorney general. Democrat Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, who has worked in the office as the state's first solicitor, said he would institute background checks and annual ethics training for all employees.

"The tone in my attorney general's office will be respect," he said.

Attorney Mike Crites, the Republican candidate who recently was special counsel for Ohio cities, said he would "provide the strong, credible leadership that's absolutely essential."

He cited his service as an officer in the Navy during the Vietnam War and as U.S. attorney general for the Southern District of Ohio from 1986-93.

Independent Robert Owens, an attorney, said he's running against candidates "bought and paid for by big special interests. I'm not for sale. I represent the people of Ohio."

On Issue 5, the payday lending referendum limiting interest that can be charged consumers, Ted Saunders, chief executive officer of CheckSmart, faced off in a spirited debate against Sandy Theis, spokeswoman for Yes On Issue 5, which favors industry restrictions.

Saunders said he offers an option for consumers at a price more affordable than bank penalties for bouncing a check, having an overdraft, or consequences from being unable to pay a utility bill.

Theis said loans at high interest rates trap borrowers in a cycle of debt that can lead to their ruin. "It's called the debt trap," she said.

She noted that the majority of funding support to campaign for Issue 5 is coming from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, which deals with consequences of unpaid debt.

Issue 6, which would allow casino gambling in Wilmington, would add millions in tax revenue and payroll to a suffering local economy, said Brad Pressman, who would be a minority owner in a casino built here.

Opponent Rob Walgate of Vote No Casinos, pointing out that similar measures have failed three previous times in Ohio, predicted this would fail too. He doubted a casino would generate as much tax revenue as predicted.