Court approves one-word change in slots language

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 09/16/08

Maryland's highest court has shot down an attempt to dramatically alter the ballot language for November's slot machine referendum, keeping the question focused on the benefits expanded gambling could have on education.

The order, filed yesterday by the Court of Appeals, affirms a one-word change made by the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court on Wednesday. Instead of saying the "purpose" of slots is to raise revenue for education, the ballot will say it is the "primary purpose" for slots.

"It's time for the opponents of slots to accept the decision of the courts and for all groups interested...

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Wrong! - 2008-09-17 15:23:51

You're wrong Peter D. Sen. Miller has been in favor of slots since the Glendening administration...probably before. Glendening opposed them so we went through eight years when the issue wasn't going to go anywhere. Then Ehrlich - looking for a way to justify his cut taxes, increase services campaign promises - jumped on the easy-way-out slots bandwagon. Most of the years since Mike Busch became Speaker he's been throwing roadblocks in front of slots. Throwing the issue in front of the voters was probably viewed as the only way to get the matter settled once and for all.

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G. L. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

Is slots in our - 2008-09-17 09:20:00

Constitution? There is ZERO need to alter the State's Constitution for slots. This is nothing more than weak/no backbone politicians passing the blame. Back in the good old days of the Ehrlich adm, Bull Dog Miller opposed everything Ehrlich wanted. Now that Tax and Spend Owe'Malley took over, Bull Dog Miller doesn't think it's such a bad idea. But they can't flip just because of a change in the Governor's Mansion. So, they are passing the buck to the Citizens of Maryland, just like they did with the skyrocketing salaries of top Adm, and new offices for everyone else in State gov. Altering the Constitution is nothing short of ridiculous.

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Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible