FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement of Comptroller Franchot Regarding the State Board of Elections Rejection of Revised Ballot Language

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 28, 2008) - Comptroller Peter Franchot issues the following statement regarding the State Board of Elections rejection of revised ballot language:

"I am extremely disappointed that the State Board of Elections today failed to carry out its responsibility under the law to present the slots ballot question 'in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner'. Despite clear evidence that the ballot language submitted by the Secretary of State's office is misleading, the Board rejected more balanced alternative language and simply threw up its hands and walked away from its obligation to ensure a fair election. Regardless of whether one supports or opposes slots, we can all agree that this issue should be decided in a fair, open and honest way.

It's no wonder people are cynical about government. The Secretary of State, who has a clear conflict of interest because of his past work as a gambling lobbyist, wrote the pro-slots ballot language in question. He said he had no choice and that he could not recuse himself from this matter. He then submitted the ballot to the Board of Elections, which has now indicated it is only a rubber stamp and can't address blatant shortcomings in the State's official ballot. Talk about the fox guarding the chicken coop."

This is just one more reason why people don't trust Annapolis. First, they passed the largest tax increase in State history and rammed through the slots referendum. Then they hired a gambling lobbyist to write the slots question that would amend our state's Constitution. And finally, when concerns were raised about this interference with our election process, the board charged with ensuring fair elections says it has no power to ensure a fair election. When an independent government body becomes a rubber stamp for political insiders, it's gives people yet another reason not to trust Annapolis."

Contact: Joe Shapiro, 410-260-7305, office, 443-871-2244, cell