By Robert Anglen
The Cincinnati Enquirer

A plan to bypass state legislators and ask voters in March to decide if slot machines should be allowed at Ohio's seven horse racetracks can't get out of the starting gate.

Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell said Thursday only lawmakers can put a constitutional amendment on a primary ballot. All others must wait until a general election when voter turnout is higher.

"The legislature rightfully wanted to make sure folks couldn't shop for a low-turnout election to advance a constitutional amendment," he said.

That's a bust for Ohio horse racetracks owners, who said last week they were tired of statehouse bickering that has killed a series of proposal for so-called "racinos." Instead of waiting for legislators to come to terms, racetrack owners and lobbyists said they would launch a petition drive to get the issue on the March primary ballot.

"They were fighting over where to spend money, and that's what bogged it down," said Jack Hanessian, co-owner and executive director of River Downs racetrack in Anderson Township. "We're just going to keep trying anything. Everything's an option."

Blackwell , called the racino slot machines "video crack" that would open the floodgates to other gambling interests.

He said racino supporters were trying to "shop" for the right election.

Blackwell said the state should not try to balance a budget on casino winnings.

Hanessian and other racetrack owners say they have lost significant revenues to states where gambling is legal, such as Indiana.

E-mail ranglen@enquirer .com