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Governor Winning over Maryland GOP on Slots

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland – As reported by the Associated Press: "Governor Robert Ehrlich may have recruited a majority of Republican lawmakers, a group once solidly opposed to more gambling in Maryland, to accept legalization of slot machines.

"According to a survey by The (Baltimore) Sun, 34 of 57 Republican legislators are ready to vote in favor of slots to draw money into state coffers.

"…Enacting slots in Maryland could have a major impact in neighboring Delaware, which has three slots facilities, including sites at Dover Downs and Midway Slots in Harrington.

"…In Maryland, winning over more Republicans would ensure the aid of House Speaker Michael Busch, who has called gambling expansion bad public policy. He has said unless the governor can persuade members of his own party, slots legislation will founder.

"…Ehrlich has sold the issue to Republicans as an alternative to raising taxes or budget cuts. Allowing as many as 3,500 machines at each site could bring up to $750 million to the state treasury each year, the governor has said…"

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