Open season for Md. casino interests

Gov. Martin O'Malleyexplained his headlong push for expanded gambling in Maryland as an attempt to end debate on the issue once and for all — at least for as long as he is governor. But the legislature may have sabotaged that hope through an amendment that gutted Mr. O'Malley's effort to ban campaign contributions from gambling interests. There can be no doubt about the gambling industry's influence in Annapolis after the legislature passed an expansion plan that is more lucrative for the casinos than the state by a ratio of 13-1. With the loophole-ridden contribution restrictions in the bill Mr. O'Malley signed this week, there is little chance that influence is going to diminish.

August 19, 2012