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O'Malley Calls for Slots at Racetracks
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In the closing months of a race in which O'Malley led in most polls, several gambling interests hedged their bets and gave money to both O'Malley and Ehrlich. The state Democratic Party received a $50,000 contribution from the Maryland Jockey Club, a horsemen's association controlled by Joseph A. De Francis, who has a minority share of the Pimlico and Laurel Park racetracks.
Aides said it is unlikely that O'Malley will introduce a slot machines bill and that his remarks came in anticipation of lawmakers pressing the matter. "I am so sick of this issue," he said on WTOP. "I hope that we're able to put this issue behind us."
But that may be easier said than done. Del. Peter Franchot (D-Montgomery), who was elected as Maryland comptroller Tuesday, said the bill probably would fail again even with O'Malley's backing. Franchot urged the incoming governor not to waste political capital on "a divisive issue."
"I personally think it's a loser of an issue," Franchot said. "Voters threw out the No. 1 cheerleader for slots, Bob Ehrlich."
During his media appearances yesterday, O'Malley also reiterated his support for construction of the intercounty connector, a position he told WTOP he had stated "four hundred billion times before."
And O'Malley continued to press for state School Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick to step down.
Grasmick, who has sparred with O'Malley over Baltimore schools, reports to the State Board of Education, whose members are appointed by the governor. It probably will be July, however, before O'Malley has a chance to fill vacancies on the board and a year more before he has a majority.
"I think it would be a great time for a fresh start," O'Malley said yesterday on WUSA (Channel 9). "I think in her heart of hearts, she probably knows that, too."
A spokesman for Grasmick said this week that she has no plans to step down.
