A Thought Experiment

What would Republicans in Ohio be saying if casino owners (or any other business) went Galt because Democrats were trying to change the rules of the game while the casinos were under construction:

The developer of casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland announced Wednesday that they halted construction on both projects.

The developer, Rock Ohio Caesars, said construction would be suspended immediately in both cities.

According to Rock Ohio Caesars, the developers have disagreed with Gov. John Kasich and state legislators over plans to tax casinos' gross receipts without deducting winnings and payouts.

The developer issued a statement that said recent legislative discussion proposing significantly higher taxes and fees specific to the operation of Ohio's casinos have "created an environment of uncertainty concerning the projected economic vitality of our planned developments in both Cincinnati and Cleveland."

According to the statement, construction would remain suspended "until these issues have been resolved and a reliable State economic environment is in place."

Imagine how much Republicans would be howling about how Democrats were destroying jobs and placing ridiculous regulations on business.  I think the casinos are crying foul over nothing, but I think it is an interesting thing to think about.  Republicans had ample opportunities since the first time a casino issue appeared on the ballot in 1990.  They probably shouldn't have waited until 19 months after the casino issue passed to try to change the rules.  Even if the casinos don't win, the state is going to have to pay to fight the inevitable lawsuits from the developers.