O'Malley and Slots

The Frederick News Post Reports:

Governor Martin O’Malley said he’s open to the possibility of a referendum on slot-machine gambling. The Washington Post reported the idea was floated this week in private meetings between O’Malley and state lawmakers. O’Malley told The Post he’s open to all ideas that build consensus. Some lawmakers say a referendum could help break the legislative logjam on the issue. But Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who supports slot machines, called the referendum idea “ludicrous.” A referendum would require a three-fifths majority in both houses, and the issue would not appear on the ballot until next fall.

Of course, these same state lawmakers didn't like slots when Bob Ehrlich was governor, but now that they are on the short side of a budget deficit, it is looking like a good thing.