Maryland’s Slot Machine Issues 

In the upcoming election slot machines will definitely have an impact on the state. Some want the slot machines and some don’t, and that will decide for many who they vote for. Those that are already in office will not rule out legalizing slot machines – Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. and Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley. Those that are running in the next election have already said that they are opposed to the slot machines – Maryland Disabilities Secretary Kristen Cox, and Del. Anthony G. Brown.  

The former two have not really spoken about slot machines, and are trying to keep them out of the forefront of the election. The lobbyists of the horseracing and gambling industries want to know where they stand however, as they want slot machines brought in to their complexes. Brown has led the Democratic opposition to bringing in slot machines, and has been a speaker at anti-slot machine rallies. In 2004, he said he would “directly oppose slots and casinos.” Since then he has downplayed that role, and that he would follow the legislatures lead on the issue. 

Cox says that she thinks it is a moral issue, and is aware that Ehrlich wants to legalize slot machines. She said that she would support the governor, but that she would not “take an active role on it.” She thinks that Ehrlich’s refusal to raise sales, income and gasoline taxes has been a mistake, as there are many things in the state, such as education, that need additional funding.  

Cox and Brown however opposed to slot machines that they may be, do not differ from their running mates in any other high profile issue. They are both pro-choice and the O’Malley-Brown team is opposed to the death penalty. Legalizing slot machines really is the main issue for the teams.

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