Voter Referendum to Put Slots Proposal to 2008 Vote

On October 22nd, 2007, the issue of allowing slot machine gaming in Maryland would be postponed until the November 2008 vote if the slots issue is put before the voters in a referendum.

Gov. Martin O'Malley from the Democratic Party still wants to continue the debate regarding the issue on the General Assembly by next week. Gov. Martin O'Malley commented that he wants to solve the slots issue so that it will not be a bother during the ninety day regular session. He added that the voters should have given enough time to study the slots issue before the vote.

Although Gov. O'Malley has not completely set aside the idea of asking the support of the General Assembly to approve the slots proposal in special session. The governor commented that he is prepared to back the referendum if it is necessary.

The Gov. added that he wants to allot the normal session to issues like energy and others. Gov. O'Malley said that the lawmakers should ratify the slots plans because it is really needed.

The special session is scheduled to start on October 29th, 2007 and will continue until Thanksgiving. The House and the Senate have approved different versions of the slots proposal over the years but the legislators have been unable to solve the differences. It would need a 3/5 vote by the House and Senate to put the slots issue on the ballot.

Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Cindy Alfonso