Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies

A new poll suggests far more Marylanders are for passing November's slots referendum than are against it.

The poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports asks if respondents would vote for or against the proposed constitutional amendment were the election held today.

Fifty-four percent of respondents said they were for passing the referendum, 35 percent were against it and 11 percent weren't sure.

The Maryland Democratic Party is pointing to a new poll as proof that Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-Baltimore) is taking Maryland in the right direction.

A survey paid for and conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 45 percent of those polled statewide approved of O'Malley's performance as the state's chief executive: an 8 point increase since March.

"Marylanders get it," said party chair Michael Cryor in a statement. "Marylanders understand we have more challenges before us and we expect smart, long term solutions that work."

While Gov. Martin O'Malley's office is pointing to a new poll as proof that Marylanders are behind the governor's policies, the state House minority leader disagrees, pointing out that the governor's approval ratings are still below 50 percent.

A survey paid for and conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 45 percent of those polled statewide approved of O'Malley's performance as the state's chief executive: an 8 point increase since March.

"The poll shows that the people of Maryland are beginning to recognize that Governor O'Malley has been a tireless fighter," O'Malley's communications director Rick Abbruzzese in a statement. "The people of Maryland understand that the budget challenges Maryland faces were not caused by this Administration, and that Governor O'Malley has worked hard to address them."

But Del. Tony O'Donnell, the Republican leader in the House, begs to differ.

Support for legalizing slot machines has dropped according to a new poll.

Voters will decide on November's ballot if the state constitution should be amended to allow no more than 15,000 slot machine installations at five different locations across the state.

The survey paid for and conducted by Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies shows 49 percent of those polled were for the referendum and 43 percent were against it. Eight percent were undecided.