Maryland State Teachers Association

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.

With Maryland voters set to decide on a contentious slots referendum this fall, the state Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that it was coming out in favor of the ballot measure.

"There is no realistic alternative to replace the revenue slots will generate for the state," Kathleen Snyder, the state Chamber's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Recapturing money spent on slots in other states will help provide needed education funding increases and prevent future tax increases."

In November, voters will decide if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slot machines at racetracks and other locations throughout the state.

Andrew J. DuckThis morning, Sixth District congressional candidate Andrew Duck received the endorsement of the NEA Fund, the political action committee for the National Education Association.

"I am proud of my public education, and will work hard in Congress to make America's public schools once again the best in the world,” Duck said in a statement.

“Great public education has always been the ladder up in America. I appreciate this endorsement and look forward to the teachers' help throughout the campaign as we work together to defeat Roscoe Bartlett and return the 6th District to its citizens."

Backing WynnThe National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education has gotten behind Rep. Al Wynn in his primary fight in the Fourth District.

Wynn announced the endorsement today, which was recommended to the NEA by the Maryland State Teachers Association Fund for Children and Public Education.

The NEA has a national membership of 3.2 million while the MSTA has 70,000 members in Maryland and is the largest union and professional association in the state.

“The NEA Fund and the MSTA-FCPE are proud to support the election of federal candidates, like you, who measure up on the issues that most concern our members,” a letter from NEA Fund chairperson Reg Weaver said.

This morning, Democrat Frank Kratovil’s campaign announced he has received the endorsement of the National Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education in his race for the First District congressional seat.

Backing KratovilThis endorsement for the general election made no mention of the Feb. 12 primary.

Kratovil was recommended to the national organization by the Maryland State Teachers Association’s campaign fund.