Will O’Malley Be Able to Pass Slot Machine Bill?

Many people have been saying that although Governor Ehrlich had a hard time passing a slot machine bill, Governor-elect Martin O’Malley should have an easier time at it since he is a Democrat. O’Malley has said that although he thinks there are more pressing issues to be handled first, he does want to see slot machines legalized at the racetracks in Maryland.

However, some feel that if he pushes the slot machine legalization he could run the risk of alienating new members and splitting the Democrat controlled General Assembly. He is already being pushed by Senate President Thomas Miller to try and get the slot machines legalized in the coming legislative session. Many see this as his “honeymoon” period and will be more apt to pass a slot machine bill now then if he tries to pass it later. If you add that to the long-term deficits he is facing as Governor, trying to legalize slot machines now is probably a good move.

But some in the Senate want to see him focus on the things they say really count. House Speaker Michael Busch says he wants to see health care and higher education focused on, with slot machines taking a back seat. This is not a surprise as many know that Busch is incredibly anti-slot machines. He is not alone though, as many of the new members coming in are opposed to slot machines as well.

‘‘If I were in his shoes, this is not the issue I would trot out there right off the bat,” said House Economic Matters Committee Chairman Dereck Davis. ‘‘I would be surprised if you got any more than a couple of votes out of the Prince George’s delegation and I doubt there would be any pressure from leadership to get it done.”

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