Slots Debate Heats Up

Still no evidence that building slots in Maryland will stop Marylanders from going to West Virginia or Dover Downs.

The argument that we need to keep Maryland money in Maryland is flawed.

Plus, if the horse racing industry can't cut it in Maryland, then maybe it is time to go the way of roller derby, bowling, prize fights and croquet.

Why is Governor O'Malley so surprised by the growing opposition to a special session of the General Assembly for the purposes of considering the Governor's tax package? I am not saying that the tax package should not be considered by the legislature given the state's current fiscal situation. However, I simply do not understand how the General Assembly can consider a multifaceted tax package without a state budget before it. Moreover, I think the Governor should recognize that a special session will cost a considerable amount of time and money - money that could be saved by considering the package in a deliberative fashion during the regular session which is only about 90 days away. Additionally, one point that I have not seen raised in the media: has the Governor considered the impact on the schedules of the professional sta ffs as well as the legislators if a special session is called for the month of November? People have already made, I'm sure, travel plans, family plans and commitments for activites with their children. I think the Governor is asking too much of the people who will be working behind the scenes to make a special session a reality.