Dan Gainor
2008-05-15 07:00:00.0
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Shout from the highest mountain. I agree with Gov. Martin O’Malley. OK, not a lot, but at least a little. (I’ve been accused of being a bit hard on the Gov. I think he’s a nice guy. But I hear they said that about Pretty Boy Floyd as well. Both showed the same attitude about our money being their money.)

O’Malley is pulling for slots, as opposed to the old days when he didn’t. In presidential politics, that’s called flip-flopping. In state politics, that’s called a way to make budget. O’Malley’s support isn’t new and it isn’t convincing, but it’s the first time he hasn’t got his hand directly in our pockets. Instead, he’s concerned about anticipated revenue of up to $800 million from 15,000 slot machines. That’s enough to rescue the horse racing industry and keep politicians employed a bit longer without raising taxes.

And he’s not alone. Most of the Democratic leadership, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce leaders and major labor unions have put their chips on the table for slots, as well.

How’s that for strange political bedfellows?

There are opponents, of course. Maryland Comptroller and would-be gubernatorial candidate Peter Franchot has tried to pull the plug on slots and boost his own career. (He’s always going to outlandish lengths to boost his career. This is a man who would call a news conference to announce a news conference.) Sadly, Franchot has some well-meaning folks on his side.

The fear is that slots are not the ideal image for Maryland. Atlantic City is certainly no garden spot in the Garden State. But some in the Formerly Free State seem determined to keep others from gambling. Then gamblers simply take their money and head nearby. The only way to really stop such activity is to barricade the borders, shut down the Internet, end the lottery and close every bingo hall.

I’ve said it before, Americans like to gamble. Maybe that’s what makes the election so fun — it’s a horse race. So, appropriately, is the slots battle. Because slots could determine the future of Maryland racing, the Preakness and your wallet.

This race isn’t the Preakness, but it might as well be. If you enjoy Saturday’s race, then imagine it being held someplace else — Pennsylvania for instance. That’s what could happen if the slots bill fails. It would be a sad ending to a once-popular Maryland sport.

Racing isn’t really the Sport of Kings anymore. It’s more limited. Our high-tech society skips traditional entertainment, and racing is no exception. Opening day at Pimlico this year drew just 5,834. That’s not anywhere near as good as the pathetic Orioles draw. Heck, that’s worse than the Baltimore Blast averaged, and they are a far better team and franchise.

But there is one day when racing is still king in Maryland, and it’s this Saturday during the Preakness. The slots vote isn’t until November, but the race for votes really begins then. It ends either with slots passing or another huge tax increase.

Pick your winner.