Gambling interests gave thousands to lawmakers - 2004-01-23
Gambling interests opened their checkbooks wide last year to Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and other state officials who were in favor of legalizing slot machines, campaign finance reports show.

Those giving $4,000 to Ehrlich - the most permitted by state law - included casino giant Harrah's; the owners of Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course; and William J. Rickman Jr., who operates Ocean Downs outside of Ocean City and holds a license to build a track in Western Maryland.

Based on a review of campaign finance reports made public late yesterday, Ehrlich took in at least $45,000 from gambling interests - including money from developers with gambling links and lobbyists whose client lists include casinos and racetracks as well as nongambling businesses.
Read the full story at Baltimore Sun

Racino law may be delayed - 2004-01-23
There's talk at the State House of a potential delay in Maine's racino law.

Some members of a legislative committee considering stricter state regulation of slot machines at harness tracks are suggesting that the effective date of the measure be postponed until April at the earliest to permit time for revisions.

But critics of such a delay, including Gov. Baldacci, say such a move would undermine the will of the voters.
Read the full story at WMTW