Eye Opener: Gambling spending exceeds $35 million

A new round of spending by proponents and opponents of expanded gambling in Maryland has pushed the total to $35.7 million, more than the 2006 governor’s race, according to state campaign records.

Analysts and Maryland elected officials predict that Penn National Gaming Inc., the only party opposing Question 7, will spend close to $40 million to stop the gambling expansion. The company has spent more than $18 million, but also has about $4 million sitting in a campaign account ready for use.

Here’s a few other headlines in government and politics:

• The Daily Record reports on opponents’ disbelief of UMBC’s Dream Act economic impact study.
• The Frederick News Post reports on those who support switching from a commissioner form of government to a charter in Frederick County.
• The Associated Press reports that Gov. Martin O’Malley will swear in a new labor secretary Wednesday.
• MarylandReporter.com reports on the confusion caused by a mailer meant to increase voter registration in Maryland.