Senate GOP Stays Neutral on Slots
Maryland's Senate Republican caucus now has an official position on the November referendum on slot-machine gambling: No position.
The 14 GOP lawmakers, many of whom supported slots under former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr. (R) and fought Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) when he advocated a slots ballot question in a special session last year, found themselves divided at a meeting today.
"It's in the hands of the voters, so let the voters decide," said Sen. David R. Brinkley (R-Frederick), the outgoing minority leader.
House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell (R-Calvert), meanwhile, said his caucus plans to take a "very different position than the Senate" next week, rolling out proposals on slots and state's growing budget woes.
The Senate caucus also elected Allan H. Kittleman (R-Howard), a moderate who serves as minority whip, to the top GOP leadership post to replace Brinkley, who did not run for re-election. Brinkley cited family and business obligations. Sen. Nancy Jacobs (R-Harford) was elected to Kittleman's post. Jacobs is one of the legislature's most conservative members.
By
Anne Bartlett
|
September 16, 2008; 5:50 PM ET
Categories:
Lisa Rein
,
Slots
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Posted by: Robin Ficker, Broker Robin Realty | September 17, 2008 6:21 AM | Report abuse
Meanwhile, out here in Frederick County, the schools have been sending students around trying to solicit support for the slots. As opposed as I am to slot machines, I find the act of sending students around to get support for gambling reprehensible. I understand that the money will be used to help schools, after the state takes a cut, the host site takes a cut, the horse tracks take their cuts, and the state funds the Gamblers Anonymous program required with all slot machine intiatives. Pinning the education of children on the addictions of adults seems beyond stupid to me.
Posted by: mcrochip | September 17, 2008 1:06 PM | Report abuse
I can't believe the courts didn't stop this B.S. The lawyer made it rather obvious that the pols just want to hoodwink the voter. Education? The kids will never see a dime from slots. Just ask Franchot and Kramer!
Posted by: Barney B. | September 17, 2008 5:44 PM | Report abuse
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The Post is fixated on slots while Montgomery County elected officials are poised to give us the biggest property increase in 21 years next year after giving us the largest property tax increase in 20 years this year. But help is on the way. Vote FOR Question B which makes it more difficult to exceed the voter-approved property tax charter limit. Save Our Homes!