It should come as no surprise that Joe Deters, arguably one of the state's most hard-nosed Republican prosecutors, did a TV commercial advocating legalization of marijuana. Deters said earlier this year he supported legalization because of the failure of the costly, inefficient war on drugs. And he put together a committee that compiled a report largely supportive of legalization.

Ad: "Joe Deters, Yes on 3," a 30-second commercial



Producer: ResponsibleOhio



Where it can be seen: Broadcast and cable television statewide.



Video: Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters talks directly to the camera.



Background photos show flashing lights of a police care and firefighters in gear. There is background sound of a police dispatcher.



A black and white video shows two people exchanging cash for drugs.



Deters speaks to the camera again.



The ad concludes with a graphic showing, "No on Issue 2, Yes on Issue 3."



Script: "My name is Joe Deters. I spent my entire career fighting crime and that's why I'm voting to legalize marijuana. I'm sick and tired of local governments cutting back on safety services while drug dealers make huge amounts of money.



And more than anything, I'm sick and tired of drug dealers ravaging our neighborhoods with death and violence.



Issue 3 goes a long way to change public policy."



Announcer: "For marijuana legalization, vote no on 2 and yes on 3."



Analysis: It should come as no surprise that Joe Deters, arguably one of the state's most hard-nosed Republican prosecutors, did a TV commercial advocating legalization of marijuana. Deters said earlier this year he supported legalization because of the failure of the costly, inefficient war on drugs. And he put together a committee that compiled a report largely supportive of legalization.



But seeing a county prosecutor - and former state treasurer- backing legalizing an illegal drug might not be what you would expect.



Deters says he's "sick and tired" of a failed drug war that is draining law enforcement resources and drug trafficking that is crippling our neighborhoods. The plainspoken Deters has never been afraid to go against the grain.



But legalization opponents counter, "Would making marijuana legal reduce law enforcement costs?" Probably. "Would it end the drug problem?" Absolutely not. In fact, there are indications black market sales continue unabated in Colorado where pot is legal for recreational and medical use.



And legalizing marijuana does nothing to stop or slow down sales of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and other illicit drugs.



But a commercial featuring a tough prosecutor may sway some votes in the final week before the election, just as a companion ad featuring former University of Cincinnati and NBA star Oscar Robertson may lure voters to the "Yes" side.



- Alan Johnson



ajohnson@dispatch.com



@ohioaj