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O'Malley Plan Would Not Limit Slots to Racetracks
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Although portrayed as a bid for compromise and closure, O'Malley's embrace of slots legislation hardly guarantees its passage.
Busch allowed the slots bill to pass in 2005 but has said he remains personally opposed to expanded gambling and would prefer it not be part of the state's long-term solution to its budget woes -- which O'Malley is seeking to address in a special session no later than November.
O'Malley is seeking to raise nearly $400 million in new revenue for transportation priorities and at the same time close the projected $1.7 billion shortfall in the state's general fund.
Busch suggested in his statement that his chamber would explore solutions that do not include slots.
Democratic legislative leaders are expecting little help from Republicans on most budget measures, particularly tax increases. But slots is one initiative that probably will require a significant number of Republican votes to get through the House.
In 2005, 35 of the 43 Republicans supported the bill that passed; 36 of 98 Democrats backed it.
House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert) said O'Malley should not take the GOP votes for granted this time, particularly if he proposes a bill similar to the 2005 legislation.
"That was a bill that was loaded with poison," O'Donnell said. "A lot of people voted for it to keep the debate alive, including myself, who weren't too happy with it."
Aaron Meisner, chairman of Stop Slots Maryland, said GOP support for a slots bill is likely to erode for two reasons: The four venues prescribed in the 2005 bill are all in Republican-leaning counties, where constituents will be concerned with increased crime and other social ills associated with slots; and Ehrlich is no longer governor. "These guys are no longer going to be held with their feet to the fire to vote for this bill," he said.
Meisner also expressed disappointment in O'Malley's embrace of slots beyond tracks.
"This is limited slots at the racetracks?" Meisner asked. "I'm a little mystified."
O'Malley said yesterday that legalizing slots in Maryland would "recapture" significant revenue that the state is losing to neighbors where slots are legal.
A recent report issued by his administration said Marylanders who play slots in West Virginia and Delaware are contributing about $150 million a year to those states' tax coffers at a time when Maryland's horse racing industry is at "a distinct competitive disadvantage." Pennsylvania has legalized slots more recently.
