COLUMBUS — How did a 2011 constitutional amendment championed by conservatives to block implementation of Obamacare in Ohio come to be weaponized by the other side to block conservatives’ agenda on issues like abortion and transgender care?

Fourteen years ago nearly 66 percent of voters approved an amendment to the Ohio Constitution, promoted as a way of reining in the power of government when it comes to directing “the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance” within the state.

Its timing and primary purpose was to block implementation of the still new federal Affordable Care Act. It failed.

But today that language is being used by the other side — so far successfully. What the amendment’s backers insist was about health insurance and government intrusion is now being used t

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