GUEST POST: Del. Eric Luedtke Dissects Montgomery County's Marriage Equality, Dream Act & Gambling Results // SEE MAPS

PLUS: MARYLAND JUICE HIGHLIGHTS QUICK NOTES ABOUT DAMASCUS AND GOP VOTERS WHO SUPPORTED MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Below Maryland Juice is pleased to publish an interesting analysis of key ballot question results in Montgomery County. Our guest pundit, Delegate Eric Luedtke (D14 Democrat), looked at the precinct-level returns for marriage equality (Question 6), the Dream Act (question 4) and gambling expansion (Question 7). He also created some insightful maps showing how MoCo's neighborhoods voted on the various measures.

ERIC LUEDTKE: Below, I've attached precinct maps showing how Montgomery County voted on questions 4, 6, and 7. First, I should note that these maps only display the election day precinct level vote, and do not include early voting totals.

The Montgomery County Board of Elections data counts the early vote as a separate canvass, like they do with absentee votes. During early voting, MoCo supported marriage equality nearly six points more than the statewide overall vote for Question 6. On the Dream Act, Montgomery County voters supported the measures by four points more than the statewide vote. Lastly, on gambling expansion, Montgomery County supported Question 7 by four tenths of a point less than the statewide average.

Note that there were some geographical variations in the early vote due to the locations of the early vote centers. For example, the early vote probably included significantly more voters from Silver Spring precincts (folks who likely voted at the Silver Spring Civic Center) than voters from the Bethesda area, where there is no early voting center. But nonetheless, the maps below give a glimpse into the geographic and demographic patterns of the vote on the various questions.

NOTE: On all of the maps below, the bluest areas show precincts that "voted for" the ballot question in large numbers. The purple areas show precincts where fewer than 50% of voters supported a "vote for" the ballot question. See the explanation of the color-coding using the key to the right.

QUESTION 4 - DREAM ACT RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 4 map is probably the most clear. Only six far upcounty precincts voted against it, including much of Damascus (except the central precinct which is entirely suburban rather than a rural-suburban mix like the rest of Damascus), parts of Laytonsville, and northern Gaithersburg outside the city limits. The heaviest vote in favor is concentrated downcounty, particularly in Bethesda and Silver Spring, and also has concentrations in parts of the county further north that have heavier immigrants populations. This includes most of the 29 corridor, which has significant populations of Latinos and continental African immigrants, the Wheaton area and its heavy Latino population, and precincts around Gaithersburg and Rockville with large Latino and Asian-American populations. It’s interesting to note the stretch of precincts voting strongly in favor up the 270 corridor all the way to the Frederick County line, likely due to a continued expansion of more urban and suburban areas in Germantown and Clarksburg. It’s also significant that nearly all of District 15 voted in favor, including the heavily rural precincts around Poolesville and Barnesville. District 15, you may remember, was the last MoCo district to elect a Republican, but its shift towards the Democratic column seems to be continuing.

QUESTION 6 - MARRIAGE EQUALITY RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 6 map is similar to the question 4 map. Support is concentrated in Bethesda/Chevy Chase, lower Silver Spring, and Rockville, with concentrations of lesser support in Olney, Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Potomac. Many of the majority-minority portions of the county voted in favor, including the upper 29 corridor and Wheaton/Aspen Hill, although by a significantly smaller margin than they supported question 4. I think this reflects the fact that marriage equality supporters were successful in reaching out to many minority voters, but obviously still have work to do. Four of the ten precincts that opposed are in District 14, which had the lowest vote by district in the county, but still the vote was in favor in all eight legislative districts. 

QUESTION 7 - GAMBLING EXPANSION RESULTS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ERIC LUEDTKE: The question 7 map is a bit of a cipher, in that for virtually every identifiable pattern there is an exception. Significant pockets of opposition cluster along the DC line in areas from Bethesda and Chevy Chase south and in Takoma Park and east Silver Spring, but a big chunk of the western side of Silver Spring voted in favor by a wide margin. More conservative upcounty precincts in Brookeville, Laytonsville, and Barnesville voted against, while most of Damascus voted in favor. Seniors at Asbury and Riderwood voted heavily against it, while seniors in Leisure World voted in favor. The vast majority of the county voted in favor of it by relatively slim margins, and we don’t see many geographic concentrations of support like we did on the other maps, although there is a significant concentration of support in Gaithersburg and Germantown, one in the Aspen Hill area, and a smaller one in Fairland and Briggs-Chaney.

DAMASCUS VOTERS: AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT, FOR BOOZE AND GAMBLING - Maryland Juice has one interesting takeaway from Luedtke's analysis. It appears that Damascus voters may be the black sheep of Montgomery County. Notably, Damascus voters appear to have unusual moral priorities as demonstrated by their voting behavior. On November 6, Damascus overwhelmingly voted to begin allowing alcohol sales in their town (Note: it is currently a "dry" town). But while many Damascus voters also voted against marriage equality and the Dream Act, they also approved gambling expansion. Bottom line: Damascus rejected civil rights and college opportunity, but embraced booze and gambling. I'm no puritan about booze and gambling, but what kind of a message does this send? Oy vey!

SIDENOTE: SOME REPUBLICANS BUCKED PARTY TO SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY - Maryland Juice has one final note for this analysis of the ballot question results. Walter Olson of the CATO Institute today published an interesting op-ed in The Huffington Post noting that in some Republican-dominated parts of Maryland, the "vote for" marriage equality was higher than Obama's vote total in the same places. He surmises that this means Republican defections on marriage equality helped Question 6 pass in Maryland (excerpt below):

WALTER OLSON: In fact county-level results reveal that across wide swaths of Republican territory in Maryland, same-sex marriage actually ran well ahead of Barack Obama and the Democratic ticket. That means there were many, many Romney voters who voted for the same-sex marriage law -- enough, in fact, that without them the measure would almost certainly have lost by a mile....

Two major bulwarks of Republican strength in Maryland, Anne Arundel and Frederick Counties, went both for Romney and for same-sex marriage. The two counties have been home to some of the state's best- known anti-gay politicians, such as Del. Don Dwyer of Anne Arundel and former Sen. Alex Mooney of Frederick. Frederick County especially, where I live, is famed as a right-wing stronghold.... Romney carried Anne Arundel by a point.

In Carroll, Question 6 ran a remarkable 11 points ahead of the president, in Queen Anne's 10 points ahead, in Harford and Cecil 5 points, and in Frederick and Anne Arundel 3 to 4 points. Collectively these counties contributed tens of thousands more votes for Question 6 than if gay marriage had been, as you might put it, only as popular as the chief executive of the United States.....

EARLY VOTE TOTALS (For vs. Against): Marriage Equality 54% vs. 46%, Dream Act 65% vs. 35% , Gambling 49% vs. 51%

10:20 PM UPDATE: Follow the results at the Board of Elections site:

• Q4: 58.5% "for" vs. 41.5% "against" - Dream Act
• Q5: 64.4% "for"  vs. 35.6% "against" - Redistricting
• Q6: 50.6% "for" vs. 49.4% "against" - Marriage Equality
• Q7: 51.3% "for" vs. 48.7% "against" - Gambling Expansion

The Maryland Board of Elections has just released the early vote totals (along with a handful of election day precinct results), and here's the current status of the major ballot questions (leaders highlighted in red):

• Question 4: Dream Act - 65.28% "for"  vs. 34.72% "against"
• Question 5: Redistricting - 66.98% "for" vs. 33.02% "against"
• Question 6: Marriage Equality - 53.5% "for" vs. 46.5% "against"
• Question 7: Gambling Expansion -  49.12% "for" vs. 50.88% "against"

• MoCo Question A: Disability Hiring - 82.05% "for" vs. 17.95% "against"
• Moco Question B: Police Effects Bargaining Repeal - 53.99% "for" vs. 46.01% "against"

• MoCo School Board At-Large: Phil Kauffman 78.32% vs. Morris Panner 21.27%
• MoCo School Board District 2: Rebecca Smondrowski 53.64% vs. Fred Evans 46.1%
 

Follow the returns online at the MD Board of Elections

We'll update this post later in the evening!

SCANNED DOC: Gambling Expansion Opponents Alert Dream Act Supporters to National Harbor Opposition to Question 4

UPDATE:  COMPTROLLER PETER FRANCHOT HIGHLIGHTS PRO-QUESTION 7 OPPOSITION TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY - Comptroller Peter Franchot's last Facebook update highlighted late-breaking evidence that supporters of gambling expansion (Question 7) are financing opposition to marriage equality (Question 6). Not surprisingly, Franchot sees this as another reason to "vote against" Question 7. He has been crusading against Question 7 for months. See below:

Unbelievable. Folks, this is who our state's Democratic machine has chosen to join forces with this year. Hoping that all Marylanders who truly support progressive Democratic values will take a stand tomorrow against discrimination -- and deliver a powerful statement against machine politics -- by voting AGAINST Question 7.

Maryland Juice was just at a Montgomery County rally for Dream Act supporters, where numerous Democratic politicians joined Dreamers and Question 4 advocates in Silver Spring. But interestingly enough, I was handed a flyer made by opponents of gambling expansion (Question 7), alerting Dream Act supporters that National Harbor was financing opposition to Question 4. See the flyer below, which quotes Maryland Juice and a Baltimore Sun article about the new revelations:
Question 7 vs. Question 4 Flyer

Below you can also see a few photos from the rally:

Maryland Juice Explains the Controversial November Ballot Questions: I Voted "For" Questions 4 & 6 and "Against" 5 & 7

PLUS: A Comment on MoCo Questions A & B

After writing about Maryland's numerous ballot question battles for several months, last Friday night I finally got in line to vote early at Montgomery County's Silver Spring polling location. Below I explain how I voted on a few of the most controversial ballot questions. But before we begin, I sorted the ballot questions into those that are my personal top priorities, and those that are of secondary interest.

CONTEXT FOR HOW I VOTED: Many voters seem to be deciding on the ballot questions based strictly on the direct policy questions laid out before them (eg: for or against more casinos in Maryland). But for me, I looked at the ballot questions with an eye toward the future of progressive politics in Maryland and how the state Democrats should choose to define themselves against the opposition. My explanations below are rooted in the belief that political institutions and parties should be constantly evolving creatures, and that right now the demography and rules of the game are changing in favor of Maryland's progressive grassroots.

But too many Democratic politicians are still voluntarily taking the safe and cynical path forward, rather than harnessing new opportunities to advance social justice and good evidence-driven policymaking. This should be no surprise in a state where the same Democratic legislative leaders have ruled in perpetuity for the last three decades. Occasionally they throw us a progressive bone, as many have been quick to point out that Senate President Mike Miller "allowed" marriage equality to pass. Apparently the Democratic base is supposed to set low expectations for what policies should be adopted in Maryland. But hardly any incumbent Democrats in Maryland are vulnerable against  Republicans, which means these low expectations and their resulting "compromises" are purely voluntary and self-defeating.

Case in point -- when the President can endorse marriage equality without any notable impact on his swing-state chances, it means times have changed and a large chunk of Maryland Democrats are too stuck in "conventional wisdom" to see the new realities of public opinion in America. When Democrats in a liberal one-party state like Maryland sit on the sidelines (or oppose social justice) during the raging battle for Maryland's soul, it is time for a disruption. Unfortunately, that disruption is clearly not going to come from within the party. That's why it's up to us to force the Democrats to evolve -- not just on issues, but also about how they do business. In many ways, I see this as a generational battle. That's why I voted as follows:


MARYLAND JUICE'S TOP PRIORITIES: For Maryland Juice, Questions 4 and 6 boil down to whether Maryland politics will respect the personal dignity of others. You need not look further than what those opposing marriage equality and the Dream Act are saying about gay and lesbian families & immigrants to understand that you should not be siding with these folks. Just yesterday, a Frederick pastor blamed Hurricane Sandy on NYC Mayor Bloomberg's donation to Maryland's marriage equality campaign. Days before that, a Randallstown pastor stated that gay individuals and marriage equality backers were worthy of death. Meanwhile, a core of extremists organizing against the Dream Act see the battle in Maryland as their stand against the invasion of America. Enough said? If not, here's a little more explanation on each question:

• VOTE FOR QUESTION 6: Marriage Equality - For me this is primarily a battle for civil liberties and individual rights. If you believe, as I do, that people not harming others should be let alone, then you should consider voting for Question 6. And if you believe in separation of church & state, as I do, then you'll also just dismiss offhand any religious objection about marriage equality in Maryland. But if you also believe that we are currently in the midst of discrimination against LGBT families without a legitimate, articulable policy purpose, then you should definitely vote for Question 6. Because those circumstances -- which do exist in Maryland -- would make this a civil rights issue. Otherwise, we would be saying that the term "civil rights" applied only to things that happened during the 60's.  Instead, I think the civil rights movement is alive and well, and it stands for a principle -- not just one group of people. Dr. King obviously saw civil rights as a multi-issue struggle against war, poverty, and racial discrimination -- not just as the struggles of his own people. We dishonor that powerful message by allowing the intense multi-year struggle for legal recognition by LGBT families to be withheld the designation of a "civil rights" issue. And what the battle for these words and labels is really about at their core, is a normative struggle in the public cosnciousness. Indeed, those stuck in the past seek to control even the use of words (like "marriage" and "civil rights") to prevent them from lending legal definition and legitimacy to a group they don't like. A message from my generation: Get over it. Vote for Question 6.  

• VOTE FOR QUESTION 4: Dream Act - I am in principle against standing in the way of anyone who wants to go to school and obtain a higher education. I can think of no net positive benefit for Maryland by putting out of reach an affordable college education for someone that is already living here and paying taxes. Do you really need to hear more than that? Vote for Question 4.

TIER TWO PRIORITIES:

• VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7: Gambling Expansion -As mentioned in my notes about marriage equality above, I believe that individuals not harming others should be let alone. Indeed, Maryland Juice likes a good game of hold 'em poker and the occasional trip to Atlantic City with old friends from high school. But I still think Marylanders should not support the further creep of the gambling industry into our state. First, let's just be honest here. The Democratic Party around the nation is now a wholly corporate party. Like many other issues, liberals have thrown in the towel concerning special interest influence on our party. We accept that our side has to raise money to combat the other side. We look the other way when our side approves clear special interest legislation, and we do it because they do other good things that the Republicans oppose. But this situation is not ideal, and it is beginning to give me a stomach-ache. If the older generation was willing to tolerate and facilitate the corporate takeover of both major political parties, I hope my generation will spend every day fighting to burn down the House of Cash that the oldsters have built. Let's start by voting against Question 7. I know I am not the only Maryland Democrat to cringe in embarrassment when our Democratic leaders brought the legislature back for a special session, the sole purpose of which was to allow MGM to built a casino at National Harbor. We're all watching the barrage of ads about this issue, and we know they were not free. One can only conclude that Maryland residents were not subjected to this horrifying political freak-show without the aiding and abetting of numerous Democratic leaders. Not cool.  Even more, we as voters should not reward the casino industry for treating us like we're stupid. Do you remember their last few rounds of lies? First, we needed slots to save the Preakness; then we needed more slots for tots & schools stadiums; and now we need more slots and table games because of scary West Virginia. Blah, blah blah..... We get it, you want more Marylanders to spend money gambling, and you'll say whatever argument-du-jour fits your goals. But here's the reality: almost half of all casino revenues will come from repeat-Maryland customers who live within a 45 short drive of a casino. So we would be pulling money out of Maryland consumers' pockets to shore up the state budget, just because a small percentage of our dollars are going to West Virginia. Forget it: West Virginia can have our gambling money, because while they're protecting their slot barns, Maryland jobs are luring their young residents to move here!

• VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 5: Congressional Districts - Voting against Question 5 is completely a realpolitik analysis for me. If you vote against Question 5, then Maryland's Congressional Districts will have to be re-drawn -- by Democrats. This seems like a freebie, even though I've heard concern that "anything could happen" if the lines are redrawn. Anything can't happen -- the Democratic party leaders of Maryland have already demonstrated their ability to strong-arm a map through the process. And in reality, I don't like this map very much. Not because it wasn't drawn "independently" (whatever that means) -- but because I think Democrats could've achieved their goals while taking into account a few other considerations. For example, the map didn't do anything to increase chances of diversifying Maryland's Congressional delegation, and it artificially narrowed the potential candidate field in the 6th Congressional District. Moreover, the map was drawn to suit the wishes of politicians who advance neither the progressive agenda, nor the Montgomery County agenda (eg: Rep's Steny Hoyer & Dutch Ruppersberger). The map also destabilized the bases of MoCo favorites Chris Van Hollen & Donna Edwards. For all of those reasons, I voted against Question 5. But let me be very clear, that I am opposed to Maryland adopting independent redistricting for Congressional districts. I am in favor of fair outcomes, not a process which is on its surface fair but leads to bad outcomes. Please study the issue, because independent redistricting will lead to both a de-facto Republican gerrymander and could potentially harm racial representation. Maryland's residential segregation patterns will not easily lend themselves to drawing more "square" or blind districts. Not to mention, readers should keep in mind that independent line drawing for 8 out of 435 Congressional Districts is folly. It has got to be all or nothing. Believe me that many of those complaining about "gerrymandering" are shedding crocodile tears and have said nothing about the ridiculous GOP gerrymanders that have been sweeping through the South and eliminating Democratic seats in state after state. So Maryland Juice voted against Question 5 and wants to see a map re-drawn that factors in the interests of the party base. Moreover, a new map should not disadvantage Montgomery Democrats, and at a minimum would allow the party to stick John Delaney's house into CD6.

If you live in Montgomery County:

• VOTE FOR QUESTION A - Disability Hiring - Question A is common sense, as it would expand hiring opportunities for disabled individuals.

• VOTE YOUR CONSCIENCE ON QUESTION B - Montgomery County Police Union Effects Bargaining Repeal - I'm not sure it makes sense for me to explain how I voted on this measure, as the matter seems to be confounding many people. The only thing I will say is this: I don't like the idea that my tax dollars can go to referenda lobbying. How much should the County be allowed to spend on this? Who decides? Do we get a say? Why stop at Question B, why not spend on the other issues? Would we be cool with Blaine Young spending money against the Dream Act in Frederick? Should the state legislature then spend money defending the laws it passed? I think County Executive Ike Leggett is setting a terrible precedent in Montgomery County by spending so many staff and monetary resources on referendum advocacy. Meanwhile, his personal campaign account was flush with funds at last check. Why didn't he just pay for this with his campaign account? I think Montgomery County residents should be very concerned about the fact that the government has been spending money on referenda advertising this cycle.

Thanks for reading!
 - Juice

National Harbor Developers Paid $271,515 to Defeat Marriage Equality & Dream Act / PAYBACK: VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7

TIT FOR TAT: GAMBLING SUPPORTERS ARE URGING 
VOTES AGAINST MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT

TIME TO DECLARE WAR ON GAMBLING INDUSTRY IN MARYLAND: Maryland Juice is declaring war on gambling expansion and urging all readers to "vote against" Question 7 on Tuesday, November 6. After it is defeated at the ballot box, let's also make sure the expansion bill dies in all future legislative sessions. 

I had already been planning on releasing a short voter guide about the ballot questions, and I will still do so tomorrow. But right now I am completely incensed by the latest callous shenanigans from those who are "for" Question 7. As far as they are concerned, nothing is more important than rolling out more casinos in Maryland -- nothing at all. Look at the latest voter guide that pro-gambling expansion forces are mailing out, including the insensitive/nativist-style image of a family running:

PETERSON DEVELOPMENT COMPANY FINANCES OPPOSITION TO MARRIAGE EQUALITY & DREAM ACT: The developers of National Harbor, Peterson Development Company, are trying to bring a casino to Prince George's County, and yesterday they spent $271,515 to create a new group to promote gambling expansion (Question 7), and defeat marriage equality (Question 6) and the Dream Act: (Question 4). They registered a new front-group called "Republican Leaders Referendum Guide" -- one of seven groups registered to campaign on Question 7 (gambling expansion):

Peterson Development Company dropped $271,515 into this voter education effort, according to last-minute financial disclosures to the Board of Elections:

Milt Peterson - National Harbor Developer

SURPRISE: NEW PRO-GAMBLING GOP VOTER GUIDE EMERGES - Just minutes ago on Twitter, I stumbled across a new "Republican Voter Guide" that features former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and former MD GOP Party Chair Audrey Scott endorsing a "vote for" gambling expansion and a "vote against" marriage equality and the Dream Act:

Red Maryland blogger Brian Griffiths confirmed that the piece carries an authority line from the new Peterson-backed GOP group:

Note that we previously published a letter to voters from Steele and Scott (yes, the two of them again) telling voters to "vote for" gambling expansion. But that letter was paid for by a group called "FOR Maryland Jobs and Schools."

PRO-QUESTION 7 FINANCIERS DON'T CARE ABOUT MARYLAND: The ballot question contests in Maryland may come down to razor-thin margins, and any spending by outside groups against Questions 4 and 6 is a threat.

After purchasing an unprecedented special legislative session in Maryland, supporters of gambling expansion are now willing to throw the Dream Act & marriage equality under the bus as collateral damage. This is yet another piece of evidence that those financing the casino expansion push aren't motivated by the concerns of ordinary Marylanders. Just look at the backers of question 7, and you'll see lots of people who are well-known for caring about Maryland. Take magician David Copperfield, for example; or boxer Oscar De La Hoya; and if that's not convincing enough, how about the Washington Redskins, who are owned by the Romney-backing man of the people, Dan Snyder.

Indeed, for pro-Question 7 financiers, working with Democrats is purely a transactional experience and just "part of the job." But apparently Democrats in Maryland did not put any conditions on their support for casino expansion, and so the industry feels it can freely spend money against referenda that some have been working very hard to advance. Ish don't think so.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM TIME: FIREWALL MARYLAND FROM SPECIAL INTERESTS: After the November elections, it is clearly time for campaign finance reform in Maryland. The special interest spending we are currently witnessing is an embarrassment in a one-party state, but especially where the one-party is the Democratic Party. Not to mention, we should not forget that we have a serious problem when a pair of companies can purchase an unprecedented special session in Maryland, and use it to advance an issue that was the priority of only a small number of very powerful politicians. It's time for a #CleanSlate.

Reject Special Interest Ownership of Maryland Politics:

VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7

TV AD // Comptroller Peter Franchot: "I've Seen a Lot of Whoppers About Tax Policy, But Nothing Like Question 7"

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is turning up the rhetoric a few notches in the Question 7 battle. The 2014 gubernatorial candidate has been a strong opponent of the push for gambling expansion this year, and as a result he has landed himself in a few television advertisements. His latest scorching of the "vote for" Question 7 side is featured prominently in a new television ad urging a "vote against" Question 7. Watch below:

New Democratic-Aligned Group Urges "Vote For All" MD Ballot Questions // SCANNED DOC: "Forward Maryland" Sample Ballot

A new group called "Forward Maryland" formed a few days ago and is urging voters to "vote for" all of the state's ballot questions. The new political committee is printing and distributing the voter guide below, which encourages Marylanders to support issues ranging from marriage equality and the Dream Act to gambling expansion and the new Congressional Districts. The effort appears to be designed to encourage the Democratic base to stick together on all of the ballot questions (see below):
Forward Maryland Voter Guide

WHO IS FORWARD MARYLAND: Public filings indicate that Forward Maryland's treasurer is Isaac Salazar, a former communications director for the Maryland Democratic Party, while the Chair of the committee is Sheila Irene Hill. The sole disclosed financier is a W. Hackerman, who dropped a large $100,000 onto the effort a few days ago. See the filing documents below.

Maryland Juice presumes that "W. Hackerman" is prominent Baltimore real-estate developer Willard Hackerman, who is currently working on redeveloping the 1st Mariner Arena and convention center areas in the city. Notably, Hackerman also donated $50,000 to the "vote for" Question 6 campaign for marriage equality last September.
Forward Maryland Campaign Finance Report
Very interesting sample ballot activity this year!

VIDEOS: MoCo Police Union Airs TV Ad Against Question B with Fallen Cop's Wife // PLUS: New Ad Against Casino Expansion

Below Maryland Juice readers can watch two new television ads regarding the heated November ballot questions. The first spot below is from Montgomery County's police union (FOP Lodge 35) and features the wife of a fallen officer urging voters to "vote against" MoCo Question B (repeal of police union "effects bargaining" rights). The second ad is the latest salvo from the "vote against" Question 7 folks (aka the side against gambling expansion):



Watch the following ad against gambling expansion (Question 7):

JuiceBlender: Dem Women Dominate, Marriage Equality Boosters Work Polls, Senate Race for 2nd, No Monday Early Vote

Below Maryland Juice provides a blend of news tidbits about the current election battles, starting with early vote news:

JUICE #1: NO EARLY VOTING TODAY (MONDAY) - In case you haven't already heard, Gov. Martin O'Malley has shut down early voting today, due to the Hurricane. He made the announcement in a recent storm update (excerpt below):

GOVERNOR O'MALLEY: Since Thursday October 25, the entire state of Maryland has been under a state of emergency. Hurricane Sandy is fast approaching and forecasters predict that it will be a large, violent storm that could knock out power for a few days and cause significant damage. This is a serious, killer storm. It's important that everyone is vigilant.... Due to the storm, we are canceling early voting on Monday October 29, 2012.

Question 6 supporters at Baltimore City poll

JUICE #2: BALTIMORE CITY VIDEO // MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOLUNTEERS DOMINATE POLL COVERAGE - A Maryland Juice reader (Hat tip: Lisa Polyak) sent us the following video footage of the last-minute campaigning at a Baltimore City early voting location.

The clip below was shot yesterday, the second day of Early Voting in Maryland, and it includes Maryland Juice's "Obama + Dream Act + Marriage Equality" lawnsign. (Note: video edited by Juice):

LISA POLYAK: I shot short video walking the line of folks waiting to get into the polling sign-in at the League for People With Disabilities polling station on Cold Spring Lane.  Wait time estimated at 1.5-2 hours.  Note the only folks staffing the voter line were YES on 6; NO on 7 and YES on 7.  Fun shot at the end is someone who was walking the line (yesterday & today) with one of your Obama/Dream Act/Marriage Equality signs.

JUICE #3: DEMS MAINTAIN EARLY VOTE ADVANTAGE ON DAY 2 // DEM WOMEN 45-65 DOMINATING TURNOUT - Yesterday, we reported that the first day of early voting demonstrated greater enthusiasm from Democratic voters in Maryland. They turned out at nearly twice the rate as Republicans, and the latest report from the Board of Elections proves it wasn't a fluke. Dems turned out at nearly twice the rate of Republicans on the second day of early voting. Also of note is that Democratic women age 45-65 are turning out in far larger numbers than any other group (see page 5 of the full BOE report below). In fact, twice as many women fitting that profile turned out than the next highest group -- Democratic men age 45-65, who are in 2nd place. But first, here's the current total D & R turnout from the first two days of balloting:

• Democrats 91,185 (4.43%) vs. Republicans 26,809 (2.79%)

Maryland Early Vote Turnout: Days 1 & 2

JUICE #4: U.S. SENATE RACE BECOMES BATTLE FOR 2ND PLACE FOR MARYLAND GOP - The Capital Gazette today quotes a politico who highlights the shabby state of the Maryland GOP. The article notes that Maryland's U.S. Senate battle between Ben Cardin, Rob Sobhani, and Dan Bongino has become a race for 2nd place (Hat tip: Maryland Reporter). Indeed, with Cardin so far ahead in the race, the Maryland GOP stands to lose a lot of face. Even still, Maryland Juice doubts that a trouncing this year will lead to much soul-searching by the Free State Republicans. See an excerpt from The Capital Gazette below:

CAPITAL GAZETTE: “...anybody who observes Maryland politics and isn’t partisan has to agree: Maryland’s Republican Party is a mess.” [Todd] Eberly, a political independent, said the GOP is simply too conservative for the bulk of Maryland voters, who do not consider “progressive” a dirty word. “You don’t run a candidate who would win in Texas, in Maryland,” Eberly said.... The real challenge for the GOP may be staying out of third place.

JUICE #5: CRAZY FULL PAGE ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY AD IN BALTIMORE SUN - A reader sent us the following photos of a full-page ad in yesterday's Baltimore Sun urging Christians to oppose marriage equality. They also provide us with choice quotes from the screed. See below. Notably, a majority of Christians support LGBT rights.

BALTIMORE SUN ANTI-MARRIAGE EQUALITY AD: "Gay marriage is Satan's unfinished business - a repeat scene, similar to the one recorded in the garden of Eden, where Satan tempted Eve, 'in the day you eat from the tree your eyes will be open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil (Genesis 3:5).' In the leaglization of gay marriage, man is now like God, determining good and evil."

The closing tag line states:

This Treatise is Encouraged by the People of God at the Upper Cross Roads Baptist Church, Baldwin, MD (Dr. Robert A. Condict, Pastor)

IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN, 'STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH...BE ALERT AND SOBER' - VOTE "AGAINST" QUESTION 6.

JUICE #6: LAST CHANCE TO ADVERTISE ON MARYLAND JUICE BEFORE THE ELECTION // BID BEFORE 4 PM TODAY - Maryland Juice is offering a rare opportunity to advertise on our blog (we rarely do this). We are hosting an eBay auction for ad space that will appear on every page and article at MarylandJuice.com for the week of the November 6 election. But note that the auction ends today around 4 pm, and the current high bid right now is a measly $10! Bid now to snatch up a bargain.

BID NOW TO ADVERTISE ON MD JUICE 

AUCTION ENDS 4 PM TODAY

Actress Eva Longoria Launches Robocall Urging MD Gambling Expansion // Desperate Housewife Urges "Vote For" Question 7

Maryland Juice reader Howard Gorrell sends us word that "Desperate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria is robocalling Free State voters asking them to support gambling expansion (Question 7). He sends us the following message from an anonymous Facebook user:

ANONYMOUS FACEBOOK USER: Want another great reason to vote AGANIST question 7?? My daughter that lives in Manchester, MD received a ro-bo call from EVA LONGORIA.....advising her to vote FOR question 7. Someone please tell me why this person that has no ties to Maryland (or none that I am aware of) would be making a call in favor or a bill that will have no impact on her?? Sounds like BIG money trying to strong arm us again!!! VOTE AGAINST QUESTION 7....even if Eva tells you not to!!!!

The robocall generated a puzzled response from Karen O'Keefe at the Montgomery County Media website (mymcmedia.org). See an excerpt from her column below:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEDIA: Why Does Eva Longoria Want Me to Vote “Yes” on Question 7? Just when I thought I’d heard it all, read it all and scrutinized it all about Question 7 – Maryland’s Expanded Gaming Referendum – and I had just about decided to vote “No” because I can’t see expanding the state’s economic reliance on gambling…

The unexpected happened. Eva Longoria called to ask for my “Yes” vote on 7.

Eva Longoria! Eva Longoria who was nominated for a Golden Globe – Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2006  – for Desperate Housewives.... She’s from Texas, she probably lives in L.A. – when was the last time she even came to Maryland?

They paid her, right?.... Sorry Eva, I say “no” to 7.

Eva Longoria isn't the only celebrity launching pro-gambling robocalls into Maryland. Voters have reported receiving messages from boxer Oscar De La Hoya and magician David Copperfield.

VIDEO: Anti-Gambling Ad Features Comptroller Peter Franchot: "It Is a Lie to Say New Casino Will Bring New Education Dollars"

Below Maryland Juice provides the latest TV ad from opponents of gambling expansion. The spot below urges a "vote against" Question 7 and features Comptroller Peter Franchot's criticism of the effort:

PETER FRANCHOT: It is a lie to say that the existing slots program or the new casino that’s proposed in Question 7 will bring in new education dollars.

The key claim in the ad is that if question 7 passes, there is no guarantee that gambling revenue will be used for education spending:

TODAY: Delegates Anne Kaiser & Heather Mizeur Debate MD Gambling // PLUS: New Poll Shows Question 7 Deadlock

ALSO: Delegate Kathleen Dumais Debates Leader of Marriage Equality Opposition

BALLOT QUESTION DEBATES: This afternoon MoCo residents can attend an interesting set of debates about two of Maryland's heated ballot question battles. The League of Women Voters of Maryland, The University of MD School of Public Policy, and The Norman and Florence Brody Public Policy Forum are hosting a faceoff between supporters and opponents of gambling expansion and marriage equality. Of note is what promises to be an interesting matchup between Delegates Anne Kaiser and Heather Mizeur on the gambling expansion debate (Question 7). The other debate features Del. Kathleen Dumais taking on the head of Maryland's anti-marriage equality campaign.  See the details below:

A Pro and Con Panel Discussion of Ballot Question 6 -- Civil Marriage Protection Act and Ballot Question 7 -- Gaming Expansion

Saturday, October 20, 2012
3:00 pm -- 5:00 pm 

Friendship Heights Village Center
4433 South Park Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Hourly parking (free on weekends) is available at the Courtyard Marriott open platform parking lot (4), accessed off of The Hills Plaza

Moderator: Douglas J. Besharov, Professor at UMD School of Public Policy

Civil Marriage Protection Act:

• For - Delegate Kathleen Dumais, MD House of Delegates since 2003
• Opposed - Derek McCoy, Executive Director of the Maryland    Marriage Alliance

Gaming Expansion:

• For - Delegate Anne Kaiser, MD House of Delegates since 2003
• Opposed - Delegate Heather Mizeur, MD House of Delegates since 2007

Sponsored by: The League of Women Voters of Maryland, The University of MD School of Public Policy, and The Norman and Florence Brody Public Policy Forum

NEW POLL SHOWS CLOSE RACE FOR GAMBLING EXPANSION - QUESTION 7: The Washington Post released results of a recent poll on Maryland gambling expansion. Their results show an extremely close race that is currently leaning against gambling expansion:

WASHINGTON POST: Maryland voters are sharply divided over a ballot proposal that would allow a Las Vegas-style casino in Prince George’s County, according to a Washington Post poll that shows widespread doubt that the measure would boost education funding as advertised.

Among likely voters, 46 percent say they favor Question 7, while 48 percent say they oppose the measure, which would also allow table games, such as blackjack and roulette, at the state’s five previously authorized slots sites.

SCANNED DOC: Lt. Gov. Michael Steele & Former GOP Chair Audrey Scott Endorse Maryland Gambling Effort (Question 7)

Yesterday, a Maryland Juice reader in Montgomery County received the direct mail letter below. The message comes from two prominent Republicans, former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and former Maryland GOP Chair Audrey Scott. The letter claims credit for gambling in Maryland as a Republican effort: "Ten years ago, when gaming (slots) was first introduced to the State Capital by Governor Bob Ehrlich, we were enthusiastic supporters, as were most Republicans."

The "vote for" Question 7 endorsement from the Republicans comes on the heels of support from magician David Copperfield and boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Read the full letter below:

DIRECT MAIL: Lt. Gov. Michael Steele & Audrey Scott Endorse Gambling Expansion

ENDORSEMENTS: Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) Release 2012 Apple Ballot Recommendations

For years, Montgomery County's teachers union (MCEA) has organized a sample ballot to be distributed at polling locations on election day. This year is no different, and below you can see what recommendations the teachers will be handing out on their "apple ballot." Note that earlier this week, Maryland Juice published a purple "school bus" ballot from MoCo's public school employees union SEIU. The apple ballot and school bus ballot differ on two matters: the District 2 Board of Education race and gambling. SEIU backs Rebecca Smondrowski in District 2 and also came out "for" Question 7 (gambling expansion). In contrast, the teachers are backing Fred Evans in District 2 and made no recommendation on gambling. Note: voters throughout Montgomery County can vote in all of the Board of Education races.
Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) 2012 Apple Ballot

TODAY'S MAIL: Gambling Expansion Supporters Argue Question 7 Protects Maryland's School Funding

MORE DIRECT MAIL ABOUT MARYLAND GAMBLING EXPANSION

A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us the latest direct mail piece in the state's casino wars. The mail piece below was received by a Montgomery County Democrat, and it argues that Maryland's gambling expansion plan (Question 7) protects school funding.

This defensive advertisement from Question 7 supporters is clearly intended to rebut recent arguments from gambling opponents that there are loopholes allowing casino revenues to be shifted away from schools.

You can see the new "vote for" Question 7 mail piece below, and a copy of the last "vote against" 7 piece at right.

Note that I live in Montgomery County, and my house only received the "vote against" piece.

Direct Mail from "Vote For" Question 7 Campaign - 10/16/12

MARYLAND DEBATE SCHEDULE // Attend a Forum on Ballot Questions, Congressional Battles & School Board Races

UPDATE: The Washington Post reports that John Delaney and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett have agreed to a series of six debates. Read the WaPo coverage for times/dates/locations.

Maryland Juice reader Paul Bessel forwarded us a schedule of numerous debates scheduled this month. Below you can see a listing of events featuring candidates for Congress and school board, as well as on the marriage equality and gambling ballot questions. NOTE: The listing below includes events from around the state.

When	What Who	Sponsor Moderator	Where
Monday October 15, 2012 7pm to 9pm	Congressional Districts 3 & 4 Candidates Forum Congressman John Sarbanes (Democrat) Eric Knowles (Republican) Paul Drgos (Libertarian) Congresswoman Donna Edwards (Dem) Faith Louden (Rep) Scott Soffen (Libertarian)	Anne Arundel County League of Women Voters and American Association of University Women and Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of Maryland	Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Severna Park MD
Wednesday October 17, 2012 7pm to 8pm	Congressional District 6 Candidates Forum Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (Rep) John Delaney (Dem) Nicholaus Mueller (Libartarian)	League of Women Voters of Washington, Frederick, and Montgomery Counties	Hagerstown Community College Kepler Auditorium 11400 Robinwood Dr Hagerstown
Friday October 19, 2012 2pm to 4pm	Board of Education Candidates Forum Phil Kauffman Morris Panner Fred Evans Rebecca Smondrowski Chris Barclay Annita Seckinger	Democratic Club of Leisure World Paul M. Bessel	Leisure World Clubhouse 1 Baltimore Room
Saturday October 20, 2012 3pm to 5pm	Ballot Questions 6 & 7 (Same-Sex Marriage & Gambling Expansion)	League of Women Voters of Maryland and Norman and Florence Brody Family Foundation Public Policy Forum	Friendship Heights Village Center 4433 S. Park Ave Chevy Chase
Wednesday October 24, 2012 6:45pm to 9pm	Board of Education Candidates Forum Phil Kauffman Morris Panner Fred Evans Rebecca Smondrowski Chris Barclay Annita Seckinger	Progressive Neighbors State Delegate Bonnie Cullison Sharon Dooley Marva Deskins	Takoma Park Presbyterian Church Assembly Hall 310 Tulip Ave (at Maple St) Takoma Park
Monday October 29, 2012 6:15pm to 7:45pm	Board of Education Candidates Forum Phil Kauffman Morris Panner Fred Evans Rebecca Smondrowski Chris Barclay Annita Seckinger	League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and American Association of University Women	Wheaton Library 11701 Georgia Avenue

GAMBLING UPDATE: Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett & Educators to Urge "Vote For" Question 7 Today

Maryland's gambling expansion boosters are holding a press conference this afternoon in Montgomery County. Executive Ike Leggett will be appearing with Delegate Bonnie Cullison and various educators to urge a "vote for" Question 7 (details below):

Press Release

MONTGOMERY COUNTY EDUCATORS JOIN 

GROWING COALITION OF SUPPORT FOR QUESTION 7

ROCKVILLE (Oct. 8, 2012) – The ‘Vote for 7’ campaign for Maryland Jobs and Schools announced it will hold a press conference tomorrow, October 9th at 4:00 p.m. with Montgomery County educators, legislators and business leaders on the benefits of Question 7 to Maryland schools.  According to the Department of Legislative Services, passage of Question 7 will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to the Education Trust Fund.

Since its creation, the Education Trust Fund has already taken in $184 Million from gaming in Maryland. Through the addition of a new resort casino in Prince George’s County and adding table games like blackjack and poker to existing Maryland casinos, Question 7 would significantly increase the amount of money coming into the Education Trust Fund to help Maryland schools and Maryland children.

WHAT: Press conference on the benefits of Question 7 to Maryland schools

WHO:

• Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
• Bonnie L. Cullison, Maryland State Delegate, District 19, Montgomery County and former President, Montgomery County Education Association
• Larry Edmonds, Vice President for Legislation, The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations
• Dr. Stewart L. Edelstein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University System of Maryland and Executive Director, The Universities at Shady Grove
• Andrea Jolly, Executive Director, Rockville Chamber of Commerce

WHEN: Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
                                  
WHERE: University of Maryland at Shady Grove, Building 2, room 1042, Rockville, MD

To learn more about ‘Vote for 7’ and the effort to bring jobs and revenue back to Maryland, visit www.voteforseven.com or click here to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

Paid for by FOR Maryland Jobs & Schools, Inc., Tim O'Brien, Treasurer.

###

DIRECT MAIL: Gambling Expansion Advocates Argue Thousands of New Jobs Will Come With a "Vote For" Question 7

A new direct mail piece has arrived at my house from the pro-gambling expansion side. The multi-page mailer argues that Marylanders should "vote for" Question 7 in order to (surprise, surprise) create new jobs:
Direct Mail: Vote for 7 Ad Uses Jobs Angle to Push Gambling Expansion in Maryland

Washington Redskins (??) Endorse Gambling Expansion in Maryland // NFL Team Urges "Vote For" Question 7

The Washington Post's John Wagner and Rick Maese yesterday reported that the Washington Redskins have endorsed gambling expansion in Maryland. I'm not sure what interest team owner Dan Snyder has in seeing Question 7 pass, but see an excerpt about the odd development below:

WASHINGTON POST: Proponents of expanded gambling in Maryland landed a major-league endorsement on Tuesday: the Washington Redskins.... In a statement, a team executive urged fans of the team, which plays its home games in Landover, to vote for the ballot measure next month.

“As members of the Prince George’s County business community, we see it as our obligation to speak out in support of major economic development initiatives,” said Dennis Greene, president of business operations. “We believe Question 7 represents a tremendous opportunity ... to create thousands of good-paying jobs, increase funding for public schools, and help provide dollars for other critical state and local government services.”

SENATE PREZ MIKE MILLER TO DISCUSS GAMBLING & ANNOUNCE 2014 CAMPAIGN: Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about the virtues of gambling for Maryland, you can hear the arguments straight from the #1 cheerleader for casinos: Senate President Mike Miller. The head of Maryland's upper chamber will be appearing on the Political Pulse cable television show tonight at 9:00 pm (Thursday 10/3). Political Pulse is on Channel 16 TV in Montgomery County, MD. According to host Charles Duffy:

CHARLES DUFFY: Maryland Senate President Mike Miller will be on "Political Pulse" to discuss the gaming expansion ballot initiative (Question 7 on the November, 2012 Ballot) and its impact on education spending in Montgomery County and Maryland.  He also announces on the Show that he will run again in 2014.

MORE ON THE BATTLE OVER GAMBLING EXPANSION SOON!

Gambling Opponents Paying People to Attend Rally // PLUS: MGM CEO Asks Maryland Customers to "Vote For" Question 7

QUESTION 7 OPPONENTS PAYING FOR RALLY ATTENDEES: Yesterday, an anonymous reader forwarded Maryland Juice evidence that interests who are pushing a "vote against" gambling expansion (Question 7) are paying people to attend a protest rally. They sent us a link to the following Craigslist ad:

Here's the text of the ad if you click on the link:

Rally participant/filler-1 hour paid gig (Upper Marlboro)

Date: 2012-09-30, 4:25PM EDT
Reply to this post CausesAreUs@gmail.com

"NO TO QUESTION 7" GRASSROOTS RALLY

One day, 1.5 hour project. You will be a rally participant. Duties are to stand in crowd, clap, cheer, hold a sign and be on time. Children are welcome. No further commitment. Payment at end of the rally.

Serious inquiries and candidates only. Referral bonus added to your pay if you refer others who sign up and participate or come as a group of 3 or more.

Tuesday October 2, 2012  9:15 am to 10:30 am in Upper Marlboro. Bus transportation provided from some areas.

Apply by Monday, October 1st until 11:00 pm at CausesAreUs@gmail.com.

Causes Are Us represents many non-profit, entertainment, political, community events and causes. To continue being contacted for short term opportunities, send your name, email, 2 phone numbers and general availability to CausesAreUs@gmail.com.
Location: Upper Marlboro

Compensation: $25-45 per person
PostingID: 3307205468

Notably, the date and time mentioned in the ad above do indeed coincide with a "No to Question 7" rally being advertised in Prince George's County. See the rally advertisement below:

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT COALITION

“NO TO QUESTION 7” GRASSROOTS

A PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COMMUNITY FAITH BASED INITIATIVE

4725 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland

240.350.4373

MEDIA ADVISORY
September 28, 2012
For Immediate Release

Contact: Melvin Forbes, President, Community Empowerment Coalition (CEC)

“No to Question 7” grassroots community rally press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 2, 2012 at the County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 20772-3050.

Free Bus transportation will be provided departing 8:30 a.m. from 4725 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland. To ride this bus to voice your opposition to “Question 7” please R.S.V.P. CEC at 240.350.4374 by 3:00 p.m. Sunday September 30, 2012.

The Washington Post's John Wagner beat me to the punch writing up this unusual twist in the Question 7 saga. He contacted the event organizers, but of course, nobody is taking responsibility for the ad (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: ...the organizers claimed to have nothing to do with the ad — and no one else exactly stepped forward to take responsibility either....

MGM ACTIVATES ITS EMAIL LIST OF CUSTOMERS IN MARYLAND: Meanwhile, Question 7 supporters are also pulling out all the stops to get gambling expansion approved in Maryland. A Maryland Juice reader who happens to be on casino company MGM's email list forwarded us the following email blast. Hat tip: @NextGenPersuade. Our source included the following comment: "Thought this would interest you -- MGM just blasted their loyalty club list re Question 7. I'm not at all an active member, either." See the message below:

From: MGM Resorts International <lasvegas@hotel.mgmresorts.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Subject: A Special Message from MGM CEO, Jim Murren

October 1, 2012

Dear Juice, 

Thank you for your continued patronage of MGM Resorts International destinations. I hope you are enjoying the benefits of our M life membership and taking full advantage of all that it offers. 

Our Maryland M life members have an opportunity this November. As you probably are aware, the Maryland Legislature passed a bill that placed a referendum question on the ballot that allows for a sixth gaming site in Prince George’s County and table games, such as poker and blackjack, at all Maryland facilities. 

I hope you will consider voting FOR Question 7 this November. Expanding Maryland’s gaming industry will create 2,000 construction jobs, 4,000 permanent jobs, and 6,000 combined tourism and table game jobs. It will also generate hundreds of millions for education and keep Maryland competitive with West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware -- each year, Maryland loses over $500 million dollars to these neighboring states. 

If Question 7 passes, MGM Resorts International would bid to bring a world class destination resort facility to Maryland. We want Marylanders to experience the same type of multi-faceted, destination resort you enjoy when visiting our luxury resorts in Las Vegas with four star hotels, top entertainment and dining offerings, luxurious spas and high end retail. We are prepared to submit a bid to develop an $800 million resort at National Harbor. We feel we would bring new depth to the state’s current gaming offerings, which would attract new customers. 

This is an important issue at an important time for Maryland. We believe so strongly in this opportunity that we are opening an office at National Harbor so we can meet with the community and help voters understand all that a MGM destination resort can offer. We also want Marylanders to know what a good community partner MGM Resorts can be. 

We also encourage you to visit the coalition website: FOR Maryland Jobs and Schools:www.voteforseven.com, or click here to follow the coalition on Facebook or on Twitter.

Thanks for your time and, again, thank you for being a valued member of M life. 

Sincerely, 


Jim Murren 
Chairman and CEO 
MGM Resorts International 

Authorized by FOR Maryland Jobs & Schools, Inc, Tim O'Brien, Treasurer.

 MORE ON THE QUESTION 7 BATTLE SOON!