Just because the lottery has been done doesn't mean we should compound the error. And if you do have a libertarian view of government and believe we should have a free-style economy, and we saw how that worked out on Wall Street, then that will lead, frankly, to legalized prostitution, full-scale casinos throughout the state.
Slots proponents are telling voters that this plan is needed to avoid future tax increases. You say that's not true. But what's the plan to address budget shortfalls?
Look, we are a ballot referendum committee. We are not in charge of governing the state of Maryland. Those are difficult decisions that are going to have to be made by the governor, who is trying to push slots, and others in Annapolis. We don't have all those answers.
But what we do know is that slots are not it. Slots would create an economy that we don't want here in Maryland. We want to be in a jobs race with Virginia and North Carolina, not in a gambling arms race with Delaware and West Virginia.
Some say the areas around West Virginia's Charles Town and Delaware Park have grown and developed economically since they allowed slots. Do you see a decline in the quality of life around those parks?
... You're looking at two places that are basically rural places where there weren't a lot of things going on to begin with. That's not the case in Maryland. It's one of the richest states in the country. We've got a thriving economy here. We've got major metropolitan areas.
Some regard the horse-racing industry as part of Maryland's fabric of life and that it needs slots revenue to survive. Do you think it's not worth saving?
I think the free-market economy and capitalism is tough. We love Seabiscuit. But unfortunately that industry has been on a decline and has been for years. ... Do I hope the industry survives? Absolutely. Do I think that doing a $100 million bailout for them is good public policy? No.
Do you gamble?
No.
Do you hit or stay on 16 in blackjack?
Umm. ... It depends on what the dealer has.
(Editor's note: Many experts say players should always hit on 16 unless they have two 8's, in which case they should split the cards to play two hands.)
