Published: September 24, 2008 08:31 am         

Bartlett joins anti-slots steering committee

Opponent in race, Dougherty, questions U.S. Rep.’s role in state policy

CUMBERLAND — While U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett joined an anti-slots steering committee, Democratic opponent Jennifer Dougherty said she hoped the Republican incumbent was not using his office to impose undue influence by a federal legislator.

Bartlett joined state Comptroller Peter Franchot in a conference call with statewide media outlets Monday to accept a position on the steering committee for Marylanders United to Stop Slots.

He noted that Maryland voters’ choice to approve or reject the slots referendum — an amendment to the state Constitution — is not a federal issue but a state issue.

“I try not to inject myself into state issues,” he said. “I’m opposed to slot machines because it’s the wrong direction for the state to go in. It’s all just one big windfall for out-of-state gambling companies.”

Bartlett said he had a “huge problem” when reciting the Lord’s Prayer — which includes the phrase, “lead us not into temptation” — and then asked to “place slots in front of our people.”

Bartlett indicated he’s opposed to any form of gambling, state run or not, because of the burdens placed on the addicted gamblers and their family members.

“I feel an obligation to be as effective as can be in limiting the amount of gambling that goes on,” Bartlett said. “I don’t think that’s the right way for the state to pay its bills,” referring to the projected budget shortfall in the current fiscal year.

Franchot said he considered Bartlett’s support “to be pivotal” in the fight against the pro-slots groups.

“It’s coming down to the final weeks. Leaders like him, who have credibility and respect, are going to be looked to” for support, Franchot said.

Bartlett called his an “independent voice” with the explanation of “using my office in order to speak out” when asked.

Dougherty, a former mayor of Frederick, is in a three-way fight for the congressional seat against Bartlett, who has held it for the past eight terms, and Libertarian Party candidate Gary Hoover of Clear Spring. Dougherty said she sees the situation quite differently.

“This is a state issue,” Dougherty said. “I’m hoping that Congressman Bartlett isn’t using the power of a federal office to impact a referendum in a state.”

Dougherty said Bartlett is “free to (offer his opinion) as a citizen” but that “my vote counts as much as everybody else’s.”

She said the issue is relatively minor compared to what the national economy is facing, saying only “one in 1,000” has brought up the slots issue in recent months.

“We’ve got really serious problems on the federal level,” Dougherty said. “It’s not my job to fight a state issue. I wish he would focus on the 6th Congressional District.”

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.