The stronger of two competing indoor-smoking bans on the Ohio ballot has won the support of Gov. Bob Taft, the Toledo Blade reported Sept. 21.

Taft said that there's ample evidence that a comprehensive smoking ban can be implemented without hurting businesses, and he slammed a weaker, industry-sponsored ballot item that will also appear on the November ballot. "It is really a deceptive proposal that would actually roll back progressive laws that have been enacted in a number of municipalities and prevent future action by local or state lawmakers to ban smoking in public places," Taft said.

The impact of Taft's endorsement may be limited, however; his approval numbers with voters is at a record low after the lame-duck Republican pled guilty to ethics offenses for accepting free golf outings and other gifts. SmokeFree Ohio, a coalition of healthcare groups backing the stronger smoking ban, did not ask for Taft's support.

A spokesperson for the less-restrictive Smoke Less Ohio ballot proposal disputed Taft's claim that the strict ban would not hurt businesses. The Smoke Less Ohio plan would allow smoking in enclosed smoking areas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, and private clubs.

Taft called the alternative ballot item "a tactic by tobacco companies to try to pre-empt local efforts to create indoor smoke-free environments that are healthy to Ohioans, especially those who don't smoke."