With four and a half weeks until the election, the battle over Maryland's slots referendum is heating up, with proponents launching a TV ad campaign and opponents organizing a grass-roots campaign.

What's labelled as Question Two on Maryland ballots is issue number one for many: Should Maryland allow 15,000 slot machines in five locations across the state?

The pro-slots group, For Maryland For Our Future, says it will begin airing pro-slots ads on Friday on Baltimore television stations. The ads ask: "Can Maryland afford not to pass slots?"

Steve Kearney, a spokesman for the group, says the purchase of airtime is a "significant buy" but he would not be more specific. 

The group has support of pressure groups like the Maryland State Teachers Association, as well as gambling interests with deep pockets.

Slots opponents say it's an advantage they lack.

"Obviously we don't have the money to match companies trying to buy the election," said Peter Franchot, Maryland's comptroller.

Franchot is banking on word of mouth to spread an anti-slots message. African-American ministers in Prince George's County are also pressing the anti-slots message among their 200,000 parishioners.

"Adding this group at this moment really strengthens our hand," said Franchot.

Though Franchot admittedly has not seen the television ad, he calls radio ads by the same group deceptive -- too optimistic about potential earnings, he said. But at a time when the state faces a $700 million budget shortfall, many taxpayers are weighing the slots option.

"Our roads are in bad conditions, our schools, we have a whole lot of things we can support versus money leaving the state," said Renai Lyles.

"I feel it's a bad influence on kids, even though more revenue, it's bad for the kids," said Alfred Sibedwo.

Two polls taken within the past six weeks suggest the referendum may pass, though slots opponents take heart in one poll that shows support slipping. 

Referendum Question Text

Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum.