Ehrlich lobbies for slots support - 2004-02-12
Lawmakers hinted Wednesday that they might consider permitting slot machines at the Ocean Downs racetrack in Berlin as Gov. Robert Ehrlich made his case for the controversial gambling devices in other areas of the state.

"There are 8 million people coming (to Ocean City)," said Sen. Ida Ruben, D-20-Montgomery. "Why would we not allow that captive audience to go to gamble in Maryland?"

Ehrlich met with the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on Wednesday asking for support for legalizing the gambling machines to help fund a continuing budget shortfall in the state.
Read the full story at Salisbury Daily Times

Ehrlich optimistic on his slots proposal - 2004-02-12
Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. said Wednesday that his plan to legalize slot machine gambling would generate close to $900 million annually for the state within four years, providing almost 70 percent of the money needed to pay for a landmark public schools funding plan.

"It's not the entire answer, but it's a significant part of the answer," Ehrlich said during a rare gubernatorial appearance before a legislative committee.

But legislative analysts questioned some of his projections, estimating the state might take in as much as $200 million less, in part because of potential declines in lottery sales.
Read the full story at Baltimore Sun