State Comptroller Peter Franchot (D-Takoma Park) says he's concerned about the national gambling industry's sponsorship of the state Democratic Party's One Week to Victory 2008 Gala fundraiser held Monday at the Baltimore Hilton Hotel.
 
In a letter to Party Chair Michael Cryor, Franchot said he was pleased to attend the event, but was concerned about how indebted the Party leadership was to the national gambling industry.
 
"Not only were gambling interests major sponsors of this event, but the leadership of our state party made a conscious decision to silence those who are not beholden to these special interests," Franchot, a staunch opponent of November's slots referendum, wrote to Cryor.
 
Franchot, who wasn't awarded a speaking engagement, left the event early - long before Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D-Baltimore) address. O'Malley has been a supporter of Ballot Question 2, arguing the revenues from slots will go toward funding public education and closing the state's structural deficit.
 
Franchot then suggested Barack Obama was opposed to gambling, before taking a subtle shot at O'Malley's support of Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) during the primaries.
 
"And I am especially proud to have been an early and strong supporter of Barack Obama - at a time when some didn't believe in hope and couldn't comprehend the true meaning of change," Franchot wrote.
 
The Clinton campaign lambasted Obama during the days leading up to the Nevada caucus in January, claiming he was opposed to gambling. 
 
Cryor could not be reached for comment. O'Malley's press office declined comment.