Companies that stand to benefit from the legalization of slot machines in Maryland shoveled more than $1.3 million into the pockets of Annapolis lobbyists last year, according to a recent report from the state?s ethics commission.
All but two of the top 10 highest-grossing lobbyists represent clients from Maryland racetracks, potential slots operators or slots equipment providers. These lobbyists netted a combined $7.7 million ? a 29 percent increase from last year. The list of top spenders and earners in Annapolis lobbying are based on totals reported by lobbyists on behalf of their employees from Nov. 1, 2006, to Oct. 31, 2007.
For the sixth consecutive year, lobbyist Gary Alexander topped the list of big earners, raking in $1.15 million. His firm, Alexander & Cleaver, netted $3.7 million representing clients such as gaming technology firm GTech and potential Cumberland slots facility Rocky Gap Resort.
Alexander said slots interests generated very little revenue in comparison with other clients.
“Slots are not a big part of our business,” Alexander said. “We have many small, nonprofit clients like the Girls Scouts and Best Buddies program.”
Lobbyists said they expect interests from both sides to spend big bucks before Maryland voters are asked to approve 15,000 machines at sites at Rocky Gap, Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Cecil and Worcester counties in November.
A slots plan approved by lawmakers in a special session last year all but guarantees a slots license at Ocean Downs in Ocean City, which spent $271,518 on lobbying last year. Operators at Laurel Race Track, which spent nearly $400,000, also are eligible for a slots license.
The list, which includes firms that spent $50,000 or more, does not include anti-slots interests, but lobbyists said they expected those groups to spend more in the months ahead.
Minor Carter, a lobbyist representing Stop Slots Maryland, said he “basically” worked pro bono for the organization.
“I certainly hope more flows from the anti-slots group,” Carter said.
Other top spenders included retailers, real estate agents, energy firms and health care interests.
Top-earning lobbyists
» Guy Alexander: $1.15 million
» Joel Rozner: $972,000
» Michael Johansen: $830,000
» John Stierhoff: $782,000
» Robin Shaivitz: $728,000
» Robert Enten: $725,000
» Nicholas Manis: $645,500
» Gregory Proctor Sr.: $636,000
» Gerard Evans: $631,000
» William J. Pitcher: $626,000
Source: Maryland
Ethics Commission
Nov. 1, 2006 through Oct. 31, 2007
