Two Ballot Questions Draw Focus in Maryland

Referendums on Slots, Early Voting

Although Maryland is considered a lock for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) over Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the presidential election, several other races and ballot initiatives could make life interesting for Marylanders.

Two statewide ballot questions in particular will be closely watched.

The most controversial is Question 2, asking voters whether to amend the state constitution to allow slot machine gambling. The proposal, which would authorize as many as 15,000 machines at five sites around the state, is intended to end a decade-long political battle over the issue.

Proponents have cast the measure as pro-education, noting that legislative analysts have estimated that slot machines could eventually generate more than $600 million for Maryland public schools. Opponents say that too much revenue would go to machine parlor operators and horse track owners, and they warn of the social ills associated with gambling.

The question has also split the state's Democratic leadership. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has been strongly supportive, and Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) has led the effort against it.

Another ballot question might be decided by how long it takes voters to make their way through lines at the polls on Election Day. Question 1 would authorize early voting in Maryland, allowing the state to join those that open some polling places for up to 10 days in the two weeks before the first Tuesday in November.

Supporters say the measure would encourage voting and reduce chaos at the polls on Election Day. Opponents, including some Republicans, say allowing voters to use polls outside their electoral districts could invite fraud.

There are also elections Tuesday in Maryland's eight congressional districts. The most hotly contested race is in the 1st District, where Andy Harris, an anesthesiologist and state senator from Baltimore County, defeated Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest, a nine-term incumbent, in February's Republican primary. Harris faces Democrat Frank Kratovil, a Queen Anne's County state's attorney, for the seat.

Gilchrest, a moderate in a district that has voted Republican for years despite having more registered Democrats, has endorsed Kratovil to replace him.

The race is a test of a national Democratic wave. Harris, who mounted his challenge against Gilchrest from the right, has said that Kratovil is a tax-and-spend liberal. Kratovil's campaign has been bolstered by $1 million in national Democratic Party money that has painted him as Gilchrest's natural successor. The district includes part of Anne Arundel County.

In Maryland's seven other congressional districts, one Republican and six Democratic incumbents are seeking reelection, and are all heavily favored.

Baltimore County Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) faces a challenge from Republican Richard Pryce Matthews and Libertarian Lorenzo Gaztanaga in the 2nd District, which includes part of Anne Arundel.