One of the vocal opponents of State Issue 1 is surprised by the wide margin that voters said “no” to the proposal that would have amended Ohio's constitution to reduce penalties for crimes of obtaining, possessing, and using illegal drugs.

Even when just over half of the votes were counted, the issue was going down in defeat by a two-to-one margin.

Mahoning County Common Pleas Judge John Durkin told 21 News that although backers of the issue spent a lot of money, he believes opponents of the measure did a good job conveying concerns that passage of the issue would harm families in the Valley.

Durkin presides over Mahoning County's Drug Court.

Supporters of State Issue One said it would save tax dollars spent on imprisoning some drug offenders and encourage rehabilitation of addicts.

Opponents call the issue dangerous, saying it undermines treatment and reduces sentences for violent offenders.