John R. Schol

Comptroller Peter FranchotAmong the many issues that divide Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) and Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith (D), the debate over whether the state should permit slot machine gambling is certainly on that list.

Smith, who may challenge Franchot in the 2010 Democratic primary, is a proponent of the referendum, while the comptroller is a fierce opponent.

Voters will decide in November if the state should legalize the release of up to 15,000 slots machines at racetracks and other locations across Maryland.