After spending the better part of his administration and much of his political capital pushing for slot machine gambling, former governor Bob Ehrlich is opposed to the referendum that could finally bring slots to Maryland.

On his weekend radio show on WBAL (1090 AM), Ehrlich said the Nov..4 ballot question is "bad policy. This is not my bill; it's not anywhere close to my bill."

The majority of callers to the show, which was largely devoted to the slots issue, bashed the referendum.

Ehrlich said he still supports slots, but he echoed the view of many GOP lawmakers who argue that the proposed amendment to the state constitution would leave no flexibility should lawmakers want to increase or reduce the number of machines. The referendum would allow as many as 15,000 slot machines at five locations.

Ehrlich, though, said he is not actively campaigned against the ballot question.

Maryland delegates are leaving the Republican National Convention fired up, but some acknowledged their greatest value in coming weeks could be providing help in states, including Virginia, where polls suggest a closer race.

"Three points in Maryland isn't as important as three points in Virginia or three points in Pennsylvania," said Don Murphy, a former state delegate and leader of the Maryland delegation. "We will continue to be a donor state until we prove we are competitive."

If Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) wins Maryland, Murphy said, it will mean the election nationally is a blowout. He said activists in Maryland are awaiting word on how they may best assist the campaign in other states.

Some prominent Republicans, including former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold (R), have already traveled to other states or have scheduled appearances.

In 2004, Democrat John F. Kerry carried Maryland by 13 percentage points over George W. Bush. Democrats maintain a 2-to-1 advantage in voter registration over Republicans in the state, and neither party has invested heavily in recent presidential elections.

Maryland GOP Chairman James Pelura said he is hardly willing to concede his state after this week, however, citing polls that show the race somewhat tighter than in 2004.

"I'm focused on Maryland," Pelura said, suggesting that closing poll numbers could force Obama to defend the state, detracting attention from more traditional battlegrounds.

Last night we all gathered in the Xcel Energy center to witness what would be an historic evening. I thought I was prepared for what I was about to see, but no preparation in the world could get me ready for the exhilaration of yesterday's events.

I could spend a couple of pages talking about each of the speakers, but we need to talk about what last night was all about. First, the Republican party has never had a woman as a Vice Presidential candidate and that in and of itself was history! However, Sarah Palin came out with the veracity, energy and resolve that a Vice President must have. And yet, even with her pointed comments about the opposition and all out attack on the lack of executive experience that the other ticket has, you found yourself liking her. Why is this? Because she has got that ability to argue with you, show you that she is right and make you like her the whole time!

Before her speech, there was a lot of speculation as to whether she could stand up to the pressure of being in the national spotlight and assume the #2 position in the government, but I think that even the Democrats have to acknowledge that whether you like her or not, she showed the world that she is here and she is here to stay and govern.

As for her speaking ability, she has a keen hold on her voice that resonates the strength of a governor, former mayor, and most importantly, the mother of five beautiful children. Her confidence is that of a person who knows that they are right. You know what I mean? She is able to talk with total disregard to the naysayers because she knows that she is able to assume this awesome responsibility..

The Maryland delegation was treated to a breakfast speech this morning from former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R), who, like most others in the room, appeared to still be on a high from last night's speech by GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Huckabee, a former presidential contender, told the crowd he was looking forward to the Alaska governor's debate with Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), the Democratic nominee.

"All the wind in Joe Biden's body is not going to able to blow her away," Huckabee said.

Huckabee, who also addressed the convention last night, took several jabs at the "axis of power between Washington and Wall Street," which he said had been unfairly critical of Palin in the days following her announcement as the running mate of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael S. Steele (R) was enthusiastically greeted in the hotel lobby shortly after the breakfast broke up.

Steele, who gave a rousing convention address last night, has spent much of his week as a McCain surrogate, speaking to other delegations and groups.

Marylanders and others in the lobby posed for pictures and sought autographs from Steele, now chairman of GOPAC, an organization that seeks to recruit Republican candidates across the country.

ST. PAUL -- Michael S. Steele, Maryland's former lieutenant
governor, fired up the Republican convention Wednesday night with a
10-minute speech that touted Sen. John McCain's character and judgment
and suggested he would bring about change on issues important
to conservatives.

"Are you ready to party in this house tonight?" Steele said as he took
the stage to chants of his name and vigorous waving of Maryland flags
from members of his state's delegation.

"We need a leader who understands the life's lessons of those who
sacrificed," said Steele, who unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2006
and is chairman of GOPAC, an organization that recruits Republican
candidates for races across the country. "In times just as these, we
need John McCain."

Steele said McCain would champion limited government, lower taxes,
"a colorblind society," school choice and energy independence.
"Let me make it very clear," Steele told a raucous crowd. "Drill,
baby, drill, and drill now."

Chants of "Drill, baby, drill" filled the hall.

Steele, an African American, did not mention Barack Obama by
name but took several jabs at the Democratic nominee.

"John McCain knows that mere words about 'change' are not
enough to transform this nation," Steele said.