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Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label Elections 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elections 2008. Show all posts

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Explore Carroll: Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day By Kevin Dayhoff 11/09/08

Explore Carroll: Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day By Kevin Dayhoff 11/09/08 

Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day

(From November 8, 2008 after the 2008 general election…)

By Kevin Dayhoff  Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 11/09/08  EAGLE ARCHIVE

Last Tuesday, after two years, 45 debates and $2.4 billion spent, American voters finally had their day. Is it just me, or does $2.5 billion seem an obscene amount of money for a country to spend on politics?

Nonetheless, I recently read an article in the London Sunday Times which stated: "This may seem a lot, but Americans annually spend $8 billion on hair care products, $64 billion on soft drinks ... so $2.4 billion isn't too much to pick the leader of the free world."

In Carroll County, it was good to see that we maintained our proper priorities with the idea of having an Election Day food drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday.

By late afternoon, when I checked with Marty Radinsky and Frank Baylor, Carroll Countians had generously donated five huge 150 cubic foot containers of food for the needy.

Radinsky said he hopes "to build (the food collection effort) into a Carroll County habit for elections in the future."

I've always been unrepentantly, patriotically, misty-eyed and corny about Election Day. It's a wonderful day to celebrate being an American… http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/1509/patriotic-misty-eyed-corny-about-our-election-day/

20081109 SCE Patriotic misty eyed and corny about our Election Day sceked


Election Day, Carroll County, Maryland, Westminster, food drive, Kevin Dayhoff




*****

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day By Kevin Dayhoff

Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day

By Kevin Dayhoff  Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 11/09/08  EAGLE ARCHIVE

Last Tuesday, after two years, 45 debates and $2.4 billion spent, American voters finally had their day. Is it just me, or does $2.5 billion seem an obscene amount of money for a country to spend on politics?

Nonetheless, I recently read an article in the London Sunday Times which stated: "This may seem a lot, but Americans annually spend $8 billion on hair care products, $64 billion on soft drinks ... so $2.4 billion isn't too much to pick the leader of the free world."

In Carroll County, it was good to see that we maintained our proper priorities with the idea of having an Election Day food drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday.

By late afternoon, when I checked with Marty Radinsky and Frank Baylor, Carroll Countians had generously donated five huge 150 cubic foot containers of food for the needy.

Radinsky said he hopes "to build (the food collection effort) into a Carroll County habit for elections in the future."

I've always been unrepentantly, patriotically, misty-eyed and corny about Election Day. It's a wonderful day to celebrate being an American… http://explorecarroll.com/opinion/1509/patriotic-misty-eyed-corny-about-our-election-day/

20081109 SCE Patriotic misty eyed and corny about our Election Day sceked

Explore Carroll: Patriotic, misty-eyed and corny about our Election Day By Kevin Dayhoff 


Election Day, Election Day Food Drive, Elections 2008, Dayhoff Media Explore Carroll, Dayhoff writing essays, Dayhoff writing essays politics, 
*****

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

London Sunday Times: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night




London Sunday Times: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night

October 31, 2008

The London Sunday times has put together an excellent state-by-state, hour-by-hour analysis of watching the election returns in today’s election.

For political presidential election junkies, it is a great outline for following the election, throughout the day:

Results will start rolling in shortly after the first polls close at 6pm EST, or 11pm GMT

Hannah Strange

By the time most Americans wake up, the first votes in the presidential election will have already been declared. In the tiny New Hampshire town of Dixville Notch, all two dozen of its residents will have cast their ballots simultaneously at midnight, with the results released one minute later. In keeping with electoral tradition both candidates will be present, though neither should be unduly worried by the outcome, as despite its uncanny accuracy in predicting party nominees, it has voted Republican in all but one presidential election in the last fifty years. For the real bellwethers, the world will have to wait just a little bit longer.


Read the entire article here: A state-by-state guide to the US presidential election night From Times Online October 31, 2008

20081031 LondonTimes A state by state guide to the US pres election night

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Just Say “NO” to Slots


There are two constitutional questions on the ballot next Tuesday. I will be voting “NO” on both. Question 2 will amend the state constitution to allow slots. Question 1 would amend the Maryland Constitution to allow early voting in Maryland.

In an earlier column I explained why I feel strongly that early voting in Maryland is not such a hot idea.

Question 2 is not nearly so black and white. I have a good number of well-intentioned and thoughtful friends and colleagues who are voting for slots, and almost an equal number of people who are just as responsible and well informed and are voting against slots.

After a great deal of thought, study, and research, I will be voting “NO.”

[…]

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current slots referendum only fuels the problem.

And there’s the rub. I cannot say it better than The Cecil Whig: “The people (who) are now trying to sell you slots are the same people (who) passed the largest tax increase in Maryland's history and said that it would solve our fiscal problems. They are the same people who said that there wouldn't be a BG&E rate hike…

[…]
[…]

“If you believe the General Assembly will use the revenue generated from slots wisely, to lower taxes and control further spending, then we recommend you vote for it.

“But if you are concerned that legislators will waste the revenue from slots and citizens will not benefit with tax decreases and spending will again outpace tax revenues, then we recommend you vote against the referendum.”

[…]

Read the entire column here: Just Say “NO” to Slots

20081031 The Tentacle: Just Say NO to Slots

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich: “It’s Time to Move On”

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich: “It’s Time to Move On”

Related: 20081230 An interview with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich

10.28.08

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8ZkJ-GNGRw



Comments on Stevens’ trial, Alaska’s future

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich said today that the jury has spoken, Senator Ted Stevens broke the law, and it’s time to move on. At a news conference in Anchorage, Begich said despite Stevens’ conviction on seven felony counts, Alaskans are resilient and will be able to move forward to address the critical challenges that face the state.

“The charges against Senator Stevens were serious and the conviction sends a strong message that no man is above the law,” Begich said. “Washington D.C. is broken and too many lawmakers are serving the special interests and not the people back home.”

Begich said while Stevens says he will appeal the federal jury’s verdict, Alaska’s issues are too important to have to wait for months or even years of legal maneuvering. Senator Stevens did a lot for our state, but that era is over, he added.

“We now have an opportunity to put this unfortunate chapter of our history behind us and focus on the future of Alaska,” Begich said. “This election gives Alaskans the opportunity to choose a different style of leadership, a different approach to addressing the important issues facing our state.”

Begich summarized his six-month campaign for reporters, pointing out he has released more than a dozen plans to deal with issues such as energy, ethics, health care and education. Begich said with the critical challenges facing the country, Alaska needs somebody with an independent style in Washington, working across party lines to solve the problems we’re facing.

“I love Alaska. This is my home. Every day I am in the U.S. Senate I will remember that and stand up for the issues that are important to us.”

Since announcing his candidacy in late April, Begich has received the endorsement of the Alaska State Employees Association/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 52; the National Education Association – Alaska and the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education; Retired General Wesley Clark; the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).


http://begich.com/content/begich-it-s-time-move

20081028 US Senate candidate Mark Begich Its Time to Move On

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Along with your vote, bring a can of beans

Along with your vote, bring a can of beans


Posted 10/31/08

The Democratic Central Committee will conduct an Election Day Food Drive on Tuesday in support of Carroll County Food Sunday.

Collection boxes will be placed at polling places where possible. Call Martin Radinsky at 443-520-7750.

20081031 ExpCar Along with your vote bring a can of beans

*****

RedState: Do Not Vote for Ted Stevens for Alaska Senator

RedState: Don't Vote For Ted Stevens For Senate or Don Young for House At Large in Alaska

Party Loyalty Has Its Limits by: The Directors

Monday, October 27, 2008 at 03:52PM CDT

Comments

[…]

We stand at a perilous moment in American politics, with the real possibility that the Democrats could get to 60 votes in the Senate. This is no time for litmus tests of party loyalty, for abandoning our own. But we must make one exception: good conscience compels us to advise Alaskans not to vote for Ted Stevens for Senate or Don Young for the at-large House seat in Alaska.

We leave it to the individual voter whether to abstain or take the step of voting affirmatively for Mark Begich, the Democrat mayor of Anchorage, and candidate for the U.S. Senate, or for Ethan Berkowitz for the at-large House seat in Alaska.

[…]

But Ted Stevens and Don Young have been a pox on the Republican house for too long - too addicted to the pork barrel, too fast and loose with ethics.

Stevens' conviction in federal court today is the exclamation point on an era in Republican politics in general and Alaska politics in particular that needs to end (and which Gov. Sarah Palin has been battling to clean up). Republicans need to clean our own house. Washington cannot too soon see the end of Stevens and Young.


Read the entire post here: Don't Vote For Ted Stevens For Senate or Don Young for House At Large in Alaska


20081027 RedState Do Not Vote for Ted Stevens for Alaska Senator

Friday, October 31, 2008

Election Day Food Drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday

Election Day Food Drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday

PRESS RELEASE October 8, 2008 – Posted October 31, 2008

For Immediate Release
Contact: Martin Radinsky
443-520-7750
Carroll County Democratic Central Committee

Election Day Food Drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday

Westminster, MD - October 8, 2008 - The Carroll County Democratic Central Committee will be conducting and "Election Day Food Drive" during the upcoming Presidential Election in support of Carroll County Food Sunday.

Our goal is, with volunteer support, to have manned collection boxes at the polling places, respecting all electioneering laws. The community service event will be conducted in a non partisan fashion and volunteers will be asked not to engage in political activity while collecting for Carroll County Food Sunday. We welcome the support from all organizations, political clubs, and political parties in helping to feed our neighbors in need in Carroll County.

Should you wish to volunteer to assist in this community service project please email Martin Radinsky at maradinsky@comcast.net or call 443-520-7750. Carroll County Food Sunday will offer "Community Service Hours" for any student wishing to volunteer their time.

**********

Carroll County Food Sunday distributes from the following county sites - WESTMINSTER: from 10 to 11:15 am and 1 to 2:15 pm, Tuesday through Thursday, and 9 am to 11:30 am, Saturday at 10 Distillery Drive (ground floor). TANEYTOWN: from 9:30 to 11:15 am, Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 44 Frederick Street. SYKESVILLE: from 10 am to noon, Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Freedom Avenue and Liberty Roads. This organization is run by volunteers, and is always in need of additional volunteer help. Donations of money and/or food are gladly accepted.


20081008 Election Day Food Drive to support Carroll County Food Sunday

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Vote No on Question 1 by the Joint Republican Caucus


VOTE NO ON QUESTION 1

House and Senate Republicans Oppose Early Voting Amendment

October 29, 2008

The Joint Republican Caucus comprised of legislators in the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates are urging citizens to vote against Question 1 - a constitutional amendment that would authorize early voting in Maryland.

“Until Maryland requires that a voter present a photo identification card at the polls, early voting should be rejected because it opens the door to greater election fraud in our state,” said Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman. “When organizations like ACORN create the fraudulent voter registrations throughout our country, there is no checks and balances on a voter’s identity under any early voting system.”

Ballot Question 1 authorizes early voting up to 10 days prior to Election Day, allows people to vote outside of the district and precinct they are registered, and authorizes absentee balloting on demand. The Democratic leadership in Maryland has repeatedly rejected legislation that would require voter identification at the polls as a safeguard against voter fraud.

“Early voting without the appropriate safeguards threatens the legitimacy of our elections,” said House Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell. “This amendment not only authorizes early voting but also allows people to vote anywhere in the State, regardless of where they were registered. Given that Maryland does not require photo identification for voting, this provision is ripe for fraud. We call on the citizens of Maryland to protect the integrity of their elections and reject this constitutional amendment.”

The Maryland General Assembly passed provisions for early voting during the 2005 and 2006 legislative sessions. The early voting statutes were challenged on constitutional grounds in Lamone v. Capozzi and were overturned by Maryland’s Court of Appeals. Currently, the only way early voting can be authorized in Maryland is through a constitutional amendment.

“Maryland does not need early voting,” said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. “We already have provisions for absentee balloting. If you are unable to vote at the polls on Election Day you may request an absentee ballot and mail in your vote. This makes the entire early voting system both duplicative and unnecessary.”

“Early voting will push another unfunded mandate on local governments, requiring higher staffing and operational costs to open polling places for up to ten days prior to Election Day,” said Senate Minority Whip Nancy Jacobs. “As we saw in February’s Primary Election, local election boards are already having major difficulties finding election judges for a single Election Day. How are they going to be able to find them for additional days?”

20081029 Vote No on Question 1 by the Joint Republican Caucus

Vote Against Question 2!

Vote Against Question 2! BY Anthony J. O’Donnell – House of Delegates Republican Leader and Christopher B. Shank – House of Delegates Republican Whip

October 29, 2008

Over the last few months, the citizens of this state have been bombarded with a variety of myths regarding the slots constitutional amendment. There have been radio and television ads that warn ominously of tax hikes and cuts to education and public safety if slots are not authorized. This fear-mongering ad campaign is financed by a handful of individuals who will make a tremendous amount of money if this plan moves forward. Members of the Democratic leadership have made not-so-subtle threats to unions, community organizations, and other interest groups bullying them into supporting the amendment. Those voicing opposition to the amendment have been demonized. Even if you are in favor of slots coming to Maryland, when you push past the layers of rhetoric and look at this constitutional amendment in its entirety, it is clear that this is not the way slots should be authorized in this state. The House Republican Caucus opposes the slots constitutional amendment because it is a bad deal for the citizens of Maryland and does nothing to address the root causes of our fiscal problems. The House Republican Caucus has a slots plan ready to introduce that does not require a constitutional amendment and allows market forces and local input, rather than political favors and back room deals, to determine the locations.


The first myth that needs to be addressed is that Question 2 is a referendum on slots. Maryland does not have a provision for referenda. Question 2 is not an up or down vote on slots and voting against it does not prevent the authorization of slots in the future. Question 2 is an amendment to Maryland’s Constitution, the primary governing document of the State. This amendment not only authorizes slot machines but authorizes them in specific locations throughout the state. The locations and beneficiaries of the proposed slots plan were decided in a back-room closed process, with no consideration for market forces or the concerns of local governments. Once authorized, any changes to the slots program will require a constitutional amendment. There will be no way to address unforeseen problems that require changes, such as a problem with a particular location, until an election year when the citizens can vote to approve the changes. There is no need to authorize slot machines with a constitutional amendment and failure of this amendment does not mean that the General Assembly cannot come back in January and authorize a slot machine plan that benefits all of Maryland.


The second myth that needs to be addressed is that if the constitutional amendment fails, the only option will be more taxes and draconian cuts to deal with the $1 billion deficit we face in FY 2010. Another myth is that education funding will be enhanced or jeopardized depending on the passage or failure of this amendment. The truth is the constitutional amendment does not bring in significant revenues until 2012. The revenues that will be dedicated to education will be used to supplant monies already spent on education, not to increase overall education spending. The message being sold to the citizens by the Democratic leadership is slots OR taxes – the fact of the matter is, the economic situation, the current deficit, and the unwillingness of the majority to restrain spending will lead to slots AND taxes. In contrast, our slots plan will generate an immediate $850 million in upfront revenue in FY 10 that will fill a significant portion of the structural deficit. Our plan will bring in more revenue overall than the constitutional amendment. The House Republican slots plan, in combination with our budget proposal will not only eliminate any need for tax increases, but will allow for a repeal of the historic tax increase passed in 2007.


What the citizens of Maryland need to know is that this constitutional amendment is a bad deal for the taxpayers. It gives away slots licenses well below their market value to a handful of wealthy, politically well-connected individuals. In these tough economic times, and in the wake of the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history, that is grossly inappropriate and should not stand. The constitutional amendment will do nothing to address the $1 billion deficit and will not prevent new taxes. It allows the Democratic leadership in Annapolis to continue to recklessly spend money with no control or accountability. The taxpayers of Maryland do not have that luxury and neither should their elected leaders. It is time for the citizens of Maryland to say NO to Martin O’Malley, Mike Miller, and Mike Busch. No unjust enrichment for political patrons, no more reckless spending, no more threats, no more fear. The best option for our citizens is to vote AGAINST Question 2!

20081029 Vote Against Question 2

This week in The Tentacle

This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Vote “NO” on Early Voting
Kevin E. Dayhoff

On Election Day November 4, there are two statewide questions on the ballot to amend the Maryland constitutional. I will be voting NO on both questions.

Question 1 would amend the state constitution to allow early voting in Maryland and Question 2 will amend the Maryland Constitution to allow slots.

Let’s take a look at Question 1. This was placed on the ballot as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 1 during the 2007 session of the Maryland General Assembly.


Read the entire column here: Vote “NO” on Early Voting

http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=2844


To Thine Own Self Be True
Tom McLaughlin
I am a Democrat and support Jennifer Dougherty and Barack Obama. I would support the Democratic ticket if the devil himself were on it. I am sure there are Republicans who feel the same way.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Election Worry
Roy Meachum
Readers may recall I take a certain pride in making up my mind well in advance about election personalities and issues. Not always, helas! This resolution on slot machines remains unresolved for me. I suspect I'm not alone. Please allow me to point out personal problems.


Unqualified To Be President – Part 2
Maude Franceschina
In yesterday’s column, I recited a litany of reasons Sen. Barack Obama is unqualified to be President of The United States. Today I’ll expand on that.


Monday, October 27, 2008
Commissioners’ Pie-In-The-Sky
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
Leaves reflect the autumn color palette in the Catoctin Mountains, a brisk fall breeze sends people scurrying along Market Street in downtown Frederick, and General Assembly members start thinking about making hotel arrangements in Annapolis.


House of Cards Burning Down
Steven R. Berryman
What had been “supply side economics” and the economic school of “rational expectations” is now both an experiment gone bad and a “Ponzi Scheme” exposed.


Unqualified To Be President – Part 1
Maude Franceschina
Okay, I have had enough. I would like to know how the majority of Americans are missing what is as plain as the nose on their faces.



Friday, October 24, 2008
Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan
Roy Meachum
Read the name again: Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan. General Colin Powell did, carefully. He noticed on the corporal's Arlington Cemetery marble grave marker the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. There were also the crescent moon and the star, sacred to Islam.


Beyond The Racial Divide
Derek Shackelford
Well, it is almost upon us. Everything that has been said and conjured up will come to a screeching halt on November 4th. That is when the real politics will begin.


Thursday, October 23, 2008
Down The Trodden Path
Chris Cavey
Election Day is two days short of two week away and the candidates are coming down the home stretch of the oddest presidential race in history. Do the two presidential candidates drive these oddities, or does the current situation of our economy?


Teaching Teachers A Little Respect
Joan McIntyre
Teachers, what do I say? I'm sorry you didn't get everything you wanted? I'm sorry you didn't get it the way you wanted? At this point, not so much anymore.


Wednesday, October 22, 2008
McCain for America – First
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Election Day is less than two weeks away. On November 4, I will be voting for the Republican Party nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain and his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.


Nobel Prize, The Economy & McCain
Tom McLaughlin
Once again it is time for my yearly commentary on the Nobel Prize in Economics. Here, I try to make some sense of this award.


Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Fortnight Off
Roy Meachum
Unless you join the apparent throng voting early, the presidential election takes place two weeks from today. A fortnight, as the British sometimes portray the time. With that in mind, I turned on the last presidential "debate." I should have read a book instead.


Walking The Economic Line
Farrell Keough
Times are tight and even the government is recognizing the need to cut back – or at least, appear as if they are making budget cuts.


Monday, October 20, 2008
The Road Less Traveled
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
The esteemed publisher of The Tentacle has asked regular contributors to offer some words reflecting their preference for a particular presidential candidate over the other. The condition for submission was that the piece was supposed to reflect why we support our guy, not our critique of the opponent.


Voting Strategy for President
Steven R. Berryman
How can pollsters possibly get it right? Sampling and trend analysis, and picking the correct “target groups” would seem to be impossible efforts, based upon my informal surveys.

20081029 This week in The Tentacle

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Sunday, October 19, 2008 – October 27, 2008

Hat Tip: Delusional Duck Maryland Southern Maryland

The Washington Post published an editorial on Sunday, October 19, 2008 that argued “No” to slots in the upcoming referendum to be held in Maryland on November 4th, 2008.

I think this is how I will be voting also. In spite of personal reservations about slots; I believe that I could’ve supported some of the formulations offering slots in Maryland under the previous administration.

At least I could’ve closed my eyes, held my breath, pinched my nose, and pushed the green button.

I happen to be old enough to remember slots and members of my family viewed them as harmless entertainment – and by and large, it was just that.

I never saw the ills that slots created for society and yet as I grew older I began to see that slots are a huge potential for harm to the fabric of the community.

Earlier proposals had more benefits than harms. I liked the revenue for agriculture and education and I certainly liked the jobs creation.

However, the current proposal is not very attractive in that there is not enough upside to the proposal to overcome the downside.

Overlooking for the moment that it places slots in the Maryland constitution where it does not belong; it appears that little of the revenue will go to help agriculture, or more specifically, the horse industry; way too little goes to education and too much goes to the general revenue fund coffers of Maryland state government.

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current legislation only fuels the problem as opposed to what a dedicated fund for ag and education would provide.

And there’s the rub.

Anyway, the Washington Post says: No on Maryland Slots:

Voters should oppose a referendum that would bring the machines -- and a host of maladies -- back to the state.

Sunday, October 19, 2008; B06

ON JULY 1, 1968, the last slot machines were wheeled out of the taverns and diners that dotted a stretch of Southern Maryland known as Little Vegas. Maryland banned the machines because they fostered crime and corruption and drained money from the poor. In the 40 years since, the lever on the side of the machine has given way to a button on the front, but the scourges ushered in by slots are the same.

Supporters of a Nov. 4 referendum that would restore slots to Maryland paper over these memories with dollar bills. Slots, they promise, will plug Maryland's $430 million budget gap, revive the faltering horse-racing industry and inject needed cash into schools. Marylanders shouldn't fall for this neon mirage.

[…]

Maryland had the good sense to rid itself of the machines 40 years ago, and voters should continue to resist the glow of slot machines and the false promise of pain-free revenue they represent.

[…]


Read the entire editorial here: No on Maryland Slots

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/18/AR2008101801534.html

20081019 Washington Post editorial says No to slots

Monday, October 20, 2008

Baltimore Sun Sells Out Maryland On Slots

Baltimore Sun Sells Out Maryland On Slots

www.MarylandersUnited.com

For Immediate Release: Contact: Bridgett Frey

October 17, 2008 Phone: 202-510-0632

Baltimore Sun Sells Out Maryland On Slots

Buckles to Pressure and Reverses Decade Long Opposition to Slots

Baltimore, MD – Slots opponents today accused the Baltimore Sun, the state's largest newspaper, of buckling to corporate pressure and selling out Maryland on slots in its editorial endorsement of the November gambling referendum.

Their support of Question 2 is a complete turnaround on an issue the paper has consistently opposed for decades, having written more than 75 editorials opposing slots over the past 10 years alone – and comes at the end of a week in which the University of Maryland, Baltimore County released a
report showing that the costs of slots could, in all likely hood, offset the benefits, and the legislature's nonpartisan research staff concluded that even with slots the state faces a structural deficit through fiscal year 2014 and beyond.

Slots are not only not the cure pro-gambling advocates claim, they're more of the problem.

"The decision by the Baltimore Sun today to endorse the slots referendum represents the kind of reversal of course that raises more questions than it answers. It is frankly a slap in the face to the voters of Maryland and an abdication of its editorial integrity," said Scott Arceneaux, Senior Advisor of Marylanders United to Stop Slots.

"The board's endorsement of Question 2 does not represent what is best for Maryland - it represents the gambling industry's penetration not just into Annapolis, but into the editorial boardroom of the largest paper in the state."

The Sun has written over 75 anti-slots editorials in the last 10 years. For example, the Baltimore Sun's editorial board has said:

"Unrestricted slot-machine gambling is an invitation to corruption and addiction. Putting video poker in neighborhood stores can destroy families and do infinite harm to a community's sense of value. It is an evil that government should not tolerate - in South Carolina, in Maryland or anywhere else." [Baltimore Sun, 10/17/99]

"Like most things that are too good to be true, the gambling prophecy is a false one, laden with potential disappointments and - worse - real financial and social costs that proponents conveniently ignore" and "You simply can't gamble your way to fiscal heath" [Baltimore Sun, 12/17/02].

Described slots as "a robbing of Peter to pay Paul that would disproportionately cannibalize and cut jobs at nearby restaurants and retailers." [Baltimore Sun, 2/26/04]

"Once again, Maryland school children get to witness their future held hostage to gambling." [Baltimore Sun, 08/27/06]

"The constitutional amendment doesn't require more money to be spent on education this year, next year or any year slots revenue might be available. A governor could just as easily redirect general fund money that would ordinarily be spent on education for other purposes and thus make the impact of slots revenue on schools meaningless." [
Baltimore Sun, 08/20/08]

"Even if approved, slots won't be riding to the rescue" of the state's budget crisis. [
Baltimore Sun, 10/12/08]

On Tuesday, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County released as report which found that the pro-slots campaign has grossly overestimated the revenue from slots, with the actual dollars for the state probably coming in at closer to half that projected, or $333 million, and an amount half of that the gambling industry has "guaranteed" voters for education. The report also found that the social costs, which have been systematically ignored by Annapolis insiders and the gambling industry desperate to pass slots, will be astronomical and have not been factored in to state's estimates. All told, the costs to the state could be as high was $627.5 million – exceeding the potential benefits. And finally, the UMBC study found that slots could easily create almost 100,000 new pathological and problem gamblers in the state of Maryland, and money spent on slots will simply be a substitution of dollars from other purchases, which will have a negative impact on the business community, and mean less sales tax revenue for the government and less lottery revenue.

"The Baltimore Sun should now be called the Chicago Sun since it appears the editorial decisions are being made by corporate suits in Illinois, the Tribune Company, and not by the independent editorial board here in Maryland," said Arceneaux.

"What is particularly troubling about this endorsement is that it comes on the heels of UMBC and the Department of Legislative Services making clear that slots will not solve Maryland's budget problems; in fact, slots will only make them worse.

Readers have a right to know if this is a Tribune Company corporate decision from Chicago or a decision made by a real independent editorial board, that has been consistent for 10 years, in Baltimore? The history of the Sun on this issue and the circumstances demand answers."

In a briefing to legislators earlier this week, the General Assembly's Department of Legislative Services reported that even if slots are approved in November, Maryland will still have a structural deficit of around $1 billion in fiscal year 2014, when the slots program will be fully operational.

Marylanders United to Stop Slots is a broad-based coalition of community, business and labor leaders, clergy, Republicans, Democrats and citizens from across Maryland. The coalition is undertaking an ambitious grassroots campaign to stop a large-scale commercial gambling referendum in November that would amend Maryland's Constitution, while doing nothing to cut taxes and ease the financial burden working families are experiencing. For more information visit
www.marylandersunited.com.

###

20081017 Baltimore Sun Sells Out Maryland On Slots

Sunday, September 07, 2008

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

By Shawn J. Soper, News Editor

Originally published September 5, 2008

OCEAN CITY – Despite strong rhetoric from an organized and vocal anti-slots contingent in the local area and across Maryland, the November referendum on the gaming machines appears to be an “even bet” with just under two months remaining before the election, resort business leaders heard this week.

The resort’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) this week hosted its bi-annual legislative summit, inviting its representatives in Annapolis including Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus and Delegates Norm Conway and Page Elmore, along with Ocean City Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Dennis Rasmussen to Ocean City for a frank discussion of important upcoming issues. Conspicuously absent was Delegate Jim Mathias, who is in Louisiana to assist with disaster relief efforts there in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.

Inevitably, the discussion at the meeting on Wednesday turned to the November referendum on slots, and the generally anti-slots local business community was not likely pleased when the race was handicapped. For years, certain segments of the Ocean City business community including the EDC and the chamber, along with the town’s elected officials, have made it known in no uncertain terms they are opposed to slots.

[…]


Voters across Maryland will likely settle the slots issue once and for all in November when they head to the polls to cast their ballots on a referendum question calling for an amendment to the state’s constitution to allow 15,000 of the gaming devices at five locations including Ocean Downs in Worcester County. The wording in the ballot question has been formally challenged because of the notion it unfairly paints a rosy picture of the benefits of slots without pointing out its potential downfalls, according to Stoltzfus.

“This issue is obviously very important to Ocean City,” he said. “The first thing to start with is the ballot language and it’s being challenged. It’s deliberately misleading and it’s wrong.”

Stoltzfus told EDC members on Wednesday the slots-for-schools premise is misleading because much of the revenue generated from the gaming machines will not go where it is supposed to go despite the language in the bill.

“The ballot language extols the virtues of the revenues going to education, but the reality is most of it is going into the general fund. The revenue will be swallowed up in the general fund and it could go to anything. The same thing happened to a large extent with the lottery.”


Read the entire article here: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/article.php?cid=30&id=4239

20080905 The OC Dispatch: Slots Called ‘Even Bet’ With Two Months To Go

Friday, August 15, 2008

EAGLE EXTRA: Slots Constitutional Amendment


Explore Carroll – The website for the Westminster, Eldersburg, and Sunday Carroll Eagle has published
the text of the legislation approved to create referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland

The following is the text of the legislation that was approved to create the referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland.

The measure is an Amendment to the State Constitution, and will face voters on the November ballot.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
By: Administration

AN ACT concerning

Video Lottery Terminals Authorization and Limitations

FOR the purpose of adding a new article to the Maryland Constitution to authorize video lottery terminal gaming in the State for the primary purpose of providing funds for public education; limiting the number of licenses that the State may issue to operate video lottery terminals; limiting the number of locations at which video lottery terminal facilities may be located; limiting the number of video lottery terminals that may be authorized in the State; providing that the statutory addition or expansion of forms of commercial gaming by the General Assembly is prohibited except as provided by this Act; defining a certain term; and submitting this amendment to the qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.

BY proposing an addition to the Maryland Constitution

New Article XIX Video Lottery Terminals


Find the entire text here:
Slots Constitutional Amendment

20080813 EAGLE EXTRA Slots Constitutional Amendment

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

20070817 “Retirement Wave Building Among House Republicans” by Congressional Quarterly


Retirement Wave Building Among House Republicans” by Congressional Quarterly

September 4th, 2007 – Researching different dynamics of the 2008 elections, I recently came across an article in the Congressional Quarterly that helped lay out some of the challenges… Writing for the Congressional Quarterly, Greg Giroux reports that five House Republicans have recently announced their retirement from office – and not seeking re-election…

Retirement ‘Wave’ Building Among House Republicans?

Congressional Quarterly

By Greg Giroux | 3:45 PM; Aug. 17, 2007 |

The announcement Friday by former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., that he will not seek re-election in 2008 capped a week in which three veteran House Republicans in a 24-hour span declared that the current 110th Congress would be their last.

Hastert’s announcement — coupled with similar ones Thursday by Ohio Rep. Deborah Pryce and Mississippi Rep. Charles W. “Chip” Pickering Jr. — brought to five the number of House Republicans who are not seeking re-election next year, compared with two on the Democratic side.

While nearly 15 months remain until the November 2008 election, the retirement decisions of Hastert, Pryce and Pickering will stoke speculation of a larger “wave” of GOP departures that would seriously hamper the party’s quest to make the 16-seat gain that they need to regain the House majority they lost last November.

[…]

Read the rest of the article here: Retirement ‘Wave’ Building Among House Republicans?