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Maryland Lawmakers Fail to Reach Deal on Slots

MARYLAND – As reported by the Washington Post: "Efforts to reach a grand legislative compromise on gambling in Maryland collapsed yesterday, prompting some lawmakers to predict a bruising fight over slot machines when the General Assembly convenes next month.

"Top aides to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) tried but failed to cut a deal on gambling in an unscheduled closed-door meeting with House of Delegates Speaker Michael E. Busch, a leading slots opponent.

"…Ehrlich now intends to introduce his own gambling bill next month when the General Assembly returns to Annapolis, Miller said. The Senate president added that he would help the governor in his campaign to win legislative approval -- with or without the support of Busch, who managed to derail an Ehrlich-sponsored slots plan in the last session.

"…Ehrlich's slots plan passed the Senate in March on a close vote but was killed in the House after Busch and other delegates criticized it as a windfall for racetrack owners. Since then, Ehrlich has tried to reach a compromise with Busch and other House leaders, but according to Miller and other senators, his patience has run out…"

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