Oct 6, 2008 3:35 pm US/Eastern
Ehrlich, Former Advocate, Warns Against Slots
ANNAPOLIS (WJZ) ―
-
-
Maryland voters' decision on legalizing slots could hang on the economy as slots advocates trumpet expanding gambling as an alternative to tax increases.
Maryland voters' decision on legalizing slots could hang on the economy as slots advocates trumpet expanding gambling as an alternative to tax increases.
But as
political reporter Pat Warren explains, opponents warn there's no guarantee that lawmakers won't raise taxes anyway.
A recent pro-slots ad tells Marylanders that slots will fund education.
The ad states, "It's the most tax-friendly way of protecting our schools."
But former governor Robert Ehrlich, the state's chief Republican and for four years, chief slots supporter, has changed. He's telling voters now that passing the ballot question is a bad idea.
Ballot question number 2 is a constitutional amendment that authorizes the state to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools.
Slots opponents who gathered last week have long standing arguments against expanded gambling, but when the state's number one slots proponent for five years running becomes a number one opponent, you have to ask why.
Governor O'Malley, who as mayor of Baltimore referred to slots as a gambling gimmick when Governor Ehrlich was in office, says slots will provide crucial funding.
Maryland Republicans in the House of Delegates also oppose the ballot question and are urging Democrats to consider what they believe is a better strategy for the state.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Great NFL Hair
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
