Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. has worked hard for three years on one of his core priorities -- allowing slots at Maryland's horse-racing parks. The governor rightly championed slots as a way to fully fund education and save the state's horse- racing industry. (I shouldn't have to remind anyone that the General Assembly passed the Thornton Act mandating school programs without providing a way to pay for it.)
People gamble. It is evident in our lotteries, games of chance and the Super Bowl.
The governor wisely figures that if they are going to gamble, they might as well gamble in Maryland.
I don't want to keep driving out of state to spend my money. Yet the Democratic leadership in the House of Delegates would let the state bleed money rather than allow slots. With slots, Maryland could save a beautiful sport and provide education with the funds it desperately needs.
AL EISNER
Wheaton
