Some Republican legislators who previously opposed slot machine gambling now say they are ready to allow the devices at four Maryland horse tracks.
Circumstances have changed, these lawmakers say, noting the state's budget crisis and their desire to support Republican Gov.-elect Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. as he takes office.
"We've had an election, and voters have spoken out in support of Governor Ehrlich's proposals," said Del. Robert L. Flanagan, a Howard County Republican.
The backing of GOP legislators, with the support of key Democrats such as Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, could improve chances of a slots bill winning approval in the coming General Assembly session.
But passage is far from a sure bet.
Legislators from both parties are sharply divided on the issue, and the incoming House speaker, Democrat Michael E. Busch of Anne Arundel County, is a slots opponent.
Busch said he sees no reason for Democrats to be on board for slots if Ehrlich can't deliver "100 percent" support from members of his party.
"This is a defining issue for Governor Ehrlich," Busch said. "It's about change in Maryland, which is what he sold during the campaign. It's his responsibility to line up support for his program."
Ehrlich made revenue from slots a key part of his plans for dealing with the state's projected $1.8 billion budget shortfall. He has estimated that allowing slots at four racetracks could generate as much as $800 million a year in revenue for the state.
Although Flanagan and several other Republican legislators have changed their views on the issue, other GOP legislators remain opposed to legalizing the gambling devices.
"I haven't seen a specific bill, but my position on gambling is firm," said Del. John R. Leopold, an Anne Arundel Republican who opposes slots. "I have made a commitment to my constituents on that issue."
A vote for slots could be especially difficult for some Republican legislators from rural districts where opposition to slots is strong among religious conservatives and others.
"Governor Ehrlich has to realize that this isn't a easy one for a lot of us," said Sen. J. Robert Hooper, a Harford County Republican.
"I know we need to help him, but I'm really at a crossroads. I'm basically opposed to it. It's one of those things where I might have to hold my nose and vote 'yes' even though I really don't like it."
Del. Jean B. Cryor, a Montgomery County Republican, sees slots as one of those issues, such as abortion, where legislators will have to vote their conscience. "I'm sure for many people it is going to be a very difficult vote," she said.
But Del. Kenneth D. Schisler of Talbot County, the House minority whip, said it is essential for Republicans to rally behind Ehrlich.
"The reality is that people spoke on slot machines on Nov. 5," Schisler said. "This is [Ehrlich's] time to shine and we need to trust him." He said it shouldn't be difficult for Republicans to vote for slots, given the alternative of raising taxes.
Schisler noted that Ehrlich was very clear about his position on slots during the campaign. "If you represent a district where Ehrlich won by 70 percent, it is not a credible statement to say that voting for slot machines will kill me in my district," he said.
Flanagan, too, said he expects that support for slots will grow among Republicans as they grapple with the state's budget crisis.
"I've looked very closely at the budget, and I don't see a better alternative," Flanagan said. "I think you would see a number of Republicans rethinking their opposition to slot machines, as I have."
Added Sen. Robert H. Kittleman, a Howard County Republican who had opposed slots: "I don't think that this is the best way to raise money, but it is better than the alternatives. I absolutely won't vote to raise income or sales taxes."
Still, the slot machine issue leaves some GOP legislators who oppose slots -- like Senate Minority Leader J. Lowell Stoltzfus of Somerset County -- with the choice of abandoning long-held positions or opposing the Republican governor-elect.
Stoltzfus said he stands by statements he made after Ehrlich's election that he doesn't intend to support slots legislation, but he declined to comment further.
His counterpart in the House said there is little doubt that there will be some Republican defections when slots come to a vote.
"I know Bob Ehrlich very well, and Bob Ehrlich is a realist," said Alfred W. Redmer Jr., the House minority leader. "He knows the House Republican caucus is not going to support it by a vote of 43 to nothing."
Redmer, who represents Baltimore County, said there is strong support for slots among his constituents, but he recognizes that isn't the case in some other districts.
Del. Howard P. Rawlings, a Baltimore Democrat and slots supporter who heads the House Appropriations Committee, said Republican backing is important to getting a slots bill passed.
"I think there needs to be substantial support from Republican members of the House," he said. "The best way to pass it is with bipartisan support."
Redmer said both parties are likely to be divided on the issue. "There will be Republicans for it and against it and Democrats for and against it," he said.