Evening star., 1962-09-28
Area Democrats
Feel Issue Won't
Swing Election
By PAUL HOPE
Star staff Writer

leaders here think it will cost
him the election.
Most Of the local Democratic
candidates touring Calvert
County yesterday with two Of
Gov. Tawes' running mates
we're unhappy about the Gov
ernor'S stand, but attempts are
being made to sugar-coat it
before Election Day.
One Democratic officeholder
said they prepared for the
Statewide tickets tour yester-
day by telling people the COM
mittee appointed by the Cover
nor to study how to get rid
Of slots "can meet forever"
IF Gov. Tawes had come
down here last week, he might
have been shot," said the Of
ficeholder. who wouldn't allow
use of his name.
Tawes Skips Tour
Gov. Tawes passed up the
tour. but spoke last night at
a meeting attended by about
200 at Chesapeake Beach. He
said nothing about slots, ap-
parently on the advice of his
running mates with whom he
conferred before his speech.
But in Anne Arundel County,
another slot area. Gov. Tawes'
Republican opponent, Frank
Small. jr., had plenty to say
about the issue.
when the slot machine
issue came up in the Legisla-
ture. where was Gov. Tawes?"
asked Mr.. Small. HE was
looking the other way. I predict
that, If he is again given the
opportunity, he will again look
the other way"
Gov. Tawes denied Mr..
Small's statement today, saying
in Annapolis. 81 wouldn't know
a slot machine man If he were
to walk into this office"
1 Mr.. Small said the "arlmor
Of a crusading knight doesn't
fit Mr.. Tawes." The Republican
reiterated his statement that
the slot issue is one for the
counties TO decide for them
selves by referendum.
Designed to Get Votes"
He said Gov. Tawes' reversal
Of his previous position was de-
signed to get votes in more pop
ulated areas Of the State.
1 81 have not received q dime
in campaign contributions from
slot machine interests. I defy
Mr.. Tawes to make that claim" "
Mr.. Small said.
Gov. Tawes spoke at the Rod
n Reel Club at Chesapeake
Beach while nearly so slot ma
chimes we're grinding merrily
away outside the dining room.
The Governor talked about
roads, schools, taxes. oysters
and Democrats but never mem
toned slots.
Lone Mention Of Slots
Attorney General Thomas
B. Finan apparently alluded to
the Governors slots stand
when he asked the audience
not to Judge Gov. Tawes "by
any expediency Of the mo-
ment" but on the basis Of what
kind of a State he is providing
for future generations.
Mr.. Finan and State Controls
ller Louis L. Goldstein were the
two who toured Calvert County
yesterday with local Democrats
candidates. Mr.. Finan has said
he supports Gov. Tawes' anti
slot stand, but Mr.. Goldstein
has declined to comment so far.
At the dozens of business
places visited by the cam
paigners, none Of the owners
said anything, at least out loud,
about slots.
The two Democratic members
of the House of Delegates run
ming for reelection said they
are opposed to the Governors
stand. but they were out work
ing for the ticket yesterday.
Most of the local candidates
made it clear they would like
to keep the slots and they
think a good many Southern
Marylanders. especially busi-
nessmen, will vote against Gov.
Tawes because of his stand. But
most of them conceded he
would probably pick up as
many or more votes elsewhere
than he loses in Southern
Maryland.
All the local Democratic can
didates had a harmonious
lunch with the State ticket
members yesterday.
"GOOd Side" Cited M
Talking to reporters outside
the dining hall last night. Ber-
nard Landlord. one OF the
county's slot distributors, de-
clared that the good side" Of
slot machine has never been
presented to the public.
Mr.. Lankford said the county
hospital would have to close
If slots are abolished. He said
revenues from slots built the
hospital and help maintain it.
He said he has been on the
hospital board three years.
Mr.. Lankford and Delegate
James Hance said they doubt
the slots will go. even If State
legislation is passed prohibit-
ing their operation. They said
the slots were there before they
were legalized and, probably
would remain