The Maryland State Fair is usually a forum for cotton-candy vendors and kids in 4-H clubs showing off livestock - not political controversy.
But the event known affectionately among locals as "the 11 best days of summer" recently found itself in the middle of one of Maryland's longest-fought political debates: whether to legalize slot machines.
The brouhaha began when anti-slots organizers inquired about paying for a booth at the fair, which runs from late August through Labor Day, to get their message out before voters decide the issue in a November referendum.
Howard M. Mosner, long-time general manager of the fair, suspected the request would not be looked upon favorably by the fair board. The fair would benefit from slots because the revenue raised from the machines would augment purses for its horse races and provide money to restore its facilities.
So Mosner tried to broker a compromise by allowing the anti-slots camp a booth only if the pro-slots campaign wanted one.
Slots opponents immediately cried foul, saying the deal could stifle free speech. While Gov. Martin O'Malley and a host of special interests support slots, opponents say their biggest asset is volunteer manpower that they can dispatch to make their case.
"It obviously raises questions about free speech," said Aaron Meisner, the leader of StopSlots Maryland, a grass-roots coalition that sought the fair booth. "We have a decision that is critical for all of the people of Maryland, and there is very little information out there for people to base their decision on. If we're not permitted to speak in that kind of a location, then what does that say about the idea of an informed electorate?"
Slots proponents say that's a red herring. Frederick W. Puddester, head of For Maryland, For Our Future, said the pro-slots group hasn't discussed yet whether to have a booth. "This is the first I've heard of any of this," Puddester said, adding, "I certainly don't think they should be attacking our state fair."
But W. Minor Carter, an Annapolis lobbyist who has worked for the anti-slots camp for years, said the incident demonstrates the David and Goliath nature of their fight. He said slots foes have to travel to parades and farmers' markets to spread the word about gambling's ills and topple the arguments of proponents who are backed by powerful, monied interests.
