Gambling Money Reaches Only One Local Lawmaker - 2004-01-26
A cascade of money that flowed from gambling interests to state elected officials last year did not filter through to Washington County lawmakers. Only one lawmaker got funds from groups lobbying to legalize slot machines, recently filed campaign finance reports show.

Sen. Alex X. Mooney, R-Frederick/Washington, received $500 from Ocean Downs. The horse racing track in Berlin, Md., is owned by William Rickman Jr., who has a license to build a racetrack in Allegany County. It was a drop in the bucket compared to the $95,605 Mooney raised from the end of last session through Jan. 14. Mooney voted against slots last year.
Read the full story at GamblingMagazine.com

A Lead Horse For Slots - 2004-01-26
Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) last year when he stated he wouldn't take the lead in another
effort to legalize slot machines? He's poised again at the starting gate, this time with an old-pro, inside-track lobbyist for the racing industry added to the public payroll for the three-month General Assembly session.

Mr. Ehrlich, who made much during his campaign about changing the style of Annapolis politics, has hired Paul Weisengoff -- former Democratic lawmaker, legendary backroom dealer and longtime paid point man for racetrack owner Joseph A. De Francis and family -- to work the halls for slots at the tracks and other administration bills.
Read the full story at GamblingMagazine.com