Slots referendum further divides Franchot, Smith

Comptroller Peter FranchotAmong the many issues that divide Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D), the debate over whether the state should permit slot machine gambling is certainly on that list.

Smith, who may challenge Franchot in the 2010 Democratic primary, is a proponent of the referendum, while the comptroller is a fierce opponent.

Voters will decide in November if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slots machines at racetracks and other locations across Maryland.

According to spokesperson Don Mohler, Smith favors the measure because of his belief that the revenue generated from slots will provide "millions of dollars" in "funds for education."

Baltimore County Executive Jim SmithAt the conclusion of an anti-slots rally in Annapolis in April, Franchot told PolitickerMD.com that the revenue projections were "inflated" and said slots produce "negative economic growth."

"It steals money from other businesses," Franchot said.

He called slots "an unstable form of funding state government," that is "addictive" and leads to an "unfair tax on the poor, middle class, and seniors."

Responding to those who object to slots on grounds of morality, Mohler said, "Gambling is already here in Maryland," referring to "horseracing and the lottery."

"We have millions of dollars leaving the state for slots in Delaware and West Virginia," Mohler said. "We could be using that money for education here in Maryland."

Smith and other state leaders like Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller (D-Chesapeake Beach) have expressed strong support for slots. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland State Teachers Association and the Maryland Association of Counties have also endorsed the referendum.

The anti-slots campaign is spearheaded by Franchot and Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Kennedyville), who are part of the organization Marylanders United to Stop Slots, a group that includes 100 steering committee members. Other supporters of the anti-slots effort include Del. Curt Anderson (D-Baltimore), Bishop John R. Schol, leader of the Baltimore-Washington conference of the United Methodist Church, former Talbot County Councilwoman Hilary Spence (D), and Anne Arundel County Councilman Josh Cohen (D).