Buying an election

There is heated debate concerning Question 2 on Nov. 4th's Maryland ballot. Simply put, proponents of slots want it passed so they will be legalized in 5 locations throughout the state. One of those locations is Berlin. Question 2 says...

Authorizes the state to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the 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.

The MCEA (state teachers' association), AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Maryland Retailers Association and Maryland Chamber of Commerce have all supported the bill. So why, with all this support of diverse groups, does this send a big red flag up for me? From the Associated Press, via Saturday's The Daily Times:

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A union that represents state employees has given $500,000 to a pro-slots group according to a filing by the group.

     The half-million dollar contribution by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was by far the largest among the $611,342 reported by the group, For Maryland For Our Future, during a two-week period this month. The group also said it received $100,000 from family members of and a business affiliated with the owner of an Eastern Shore racetrack that would be eligible for a slots license.

I'm all for education. And I guess we shouldn't be so surprised at political contributions like this. But $100K to help buy the outcome you want? Is this really how we want to decide referenda in this state?