COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Gov. Ted Strickland wants the Legislature to approve putting lottery-run slot machines at Ohio's horse tracks, which would include the Lebanon Raceway in Warren County. The Ohio Senate wants voters to decide the question on the November ballot, or for Strickland to use his executive authority without involving lawmakers.

The arguments are based in Ohio's complicated gambling law, its criminal code and its state Constitution. Republicans and Democrats are both accusing each other of playing politics.

The dispute is holding up passage of the two-year state operating budget, which has a $3.2 billion deficit. The gambling proposal would raise an estimated $933 million.

Voters previously voted against an amendment to put slots at racetracks in 2006. Strickland says amending the constitution isn't needed.

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