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Maryland Bill Targets Gambling Contributions

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "As the debate over slot machines approaches a critical juncture in the General Assembly, some lawmakers are pushing legislation to prohibit campaign contributions from anyone seeking gambling licenses in Maryland.

"The measure -- similar to bans on gambling-related campaign contributions in New Jersey and Louisiana -- aims to curb the influence of the companies and lobbyists pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars toward Maryland political accounts.

"…During the nine months between the 2003 and 2004 legislative sessions, lawmakers collected huge sums of cash from such gambling-related interests as the horse racing industry, casino companies and slot machine manufacturers.

"'There's no question we're already seeing the influence of gambling on the state legislature,' said James Browning, executive director of Common Cause/Maryland, which put out a study last month tracking some of the contributions.

"…The Ways and Means Committee is set to hold a hearing Thursday on the bill from Simmons to prohibit gambling contributions…"

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