Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and top lawmakers are racing in the last days of the General Assembly session to pass emergency legislation they say may be necessary to keep the vaunted Preakness Stakes horse race at the Pimlico Race Course.
On Thursday, an O’Malley aide told lawmakers that the state was at risk of permanently losing the race unless the General Assembly strengthens the state’s authority to buy the rights to the Preakness and the facilities at Pimlico — with or without the owner’s permission.
“We are proposing serious action to address a serious problem,” said Joseph Bryce, the governor’s chief legislative officer.
But some lawmakers questioned whether the governor was trying to rush through ill-conceived, last-minute legislation that may cost the state down the road.
Magna Entertainment Corp., the Canadian company that owns Pimlico and the Preakness, filed for bankruptcy protection last month, prompting concerns from top elected officials that potential new owners may move the race.
Supporters of O’Malley’s legislation have made frequent reference to the state’s failure to stop the Baltimore Colts from leaving town 25 years ago as reason to take action.
The legislation also would authorize the state to buy or exercise eminent domain to seize the Laurel Park racetrack, a Magna property that is about 20 miles away from the District.
Speaker of the House Michael Busch, D-Anne Arundel, and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., D-Calvert, have indicated they support O’Malley’s efforts. But some lawmakers voiced concerns Thursday about the legislation’s cost.
“It would be extremely irresponsible for us to go into the purchase of an asset of without having a detailed consideration of how we recoup [our costs],” said Sen. Rona Kramer, D-Silver Spring/Damascus. “There is no analysis at this point and I think there has to be.”
Senate Republicans said the bill would do little more than give O’Malley political cover in case Maryland loses the Preakness.
“I certainly want to save the Preakness as well, but I just want to make sure we don’t do it in a way that’s not appropriate,” said Senate Minority Leader Allan Kittleman, R-Howard.
