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Maryland Bill Would Ban Gambling Groups' Political Donations

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "Del. Luiz R.S. Simmons renewed yesterday his pitch for a bill to prohibit political donations from gambling interest groups and said that, if necessary, he will propose a ban as an amendment if a slots bill makes it to the House floor for a vote.

"The Montgomery County Democrat told a House Ways and Means subcommittee meeting that such a ban 'deserves to be urgently considered.'

"…This is the third year that Simmons has introduced a bill that would prohibit people or companies with gambling licenses, or those seeking licenses, from donating to Maryland political campaigns. In previous years, the bill has died in the House Ways and Means Committee.

"…Gambling interests have contributed more than $850,000 to Maryland lawmakers and candidates over the past five years, according to Common Cause studies of political donations. A $10,000 limit on donations has been skirted by funneling money through limited liability corporations and other entities, said James Browning, director of Common Cause Maryland…"

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