Did Martin O'Malley forget in which state he is running for governor? Last week the governor said, "I don't think we should be bullied into accepting slots at the mall." ("Thousands drawn to opening of Maryland casino," Sept. 30.)

Who is the bully he is referring to? The Maryland-based Cordish Cos., who were selected fair and square by the O'Malley-appointed independent slots licensing commission? The Maryland teachers, police and fire fighters campaigning for Question A because Mr. O'Malley's government cannot otherwise fund their vital services? The Maryland residents who want an option for gaming and entertainment that is both close to home and contributes to the local economy? The unemployed Marylanders who are counting the days until the 4,000 new jobs become available?

Mr. O'Malley thinks those are bullies? Apparently so because through his comments he has aligned himself with Penn National, the owners of West Virginia's Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Penn National is bullying Marylanders with a multi-million dollar campaign of deception and lies under the cover of the "No Slots at the Mall" group. This out-of-state mega-corporation's only interest in stopping Question A is to prevent slots in Anne Arundel County completely (or at least stall it by five to 10 years) so they can continue to collect Marylanders' money at their West Virginia casino. And now they have just gotten themselves a new spokesperson — Maryland's (soon to be former) Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Mark Hranicka, Brooklyn Park