O’Malley Using Political Power to Get Slots
Governor Martin O’Malley knows that the only way to get things accomplished when you are in office is to surround yourself with people who are like minded and of the same party affiliation. By having similar people around you, you will stand a much better chance of getting things passed then if you have to fight the political garbage that usually comes with being in office.
Therefore it came as no surprise to anyone that O’Malley was working his magic in the primary election in Baltimore, throwing his weight behind Mayor Sheila Dixon and helping her get a much wider margin in the vote. He also supported Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who easily defeated her opponent as well.
O’Malley is going about it the right way, endorsing those that will help him later on get support for things like the legalization of slots in the state. This shows those in office that if you approve his slots plan, or even just vote with the governor, he will show his support of you and help you keep your job when it is your turn for re-election.
With his new package coming up that will increase taxes on cigarettes, broaden sales tax, and make income tax more progressive, as well as legalizing slots to pay for education, it behooves him to have any many people behind him as possible. This will allow him to raise taxes, get slots legalized and basically help out the little guy, all while supporting those that support him. Not a bad plan!
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