One of the more baffling back stories in the government-backed push to expand gambling is that the elected officials often leading the way are Democrats. (See California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York.) It makes no sense for Democrats to support casinos and other forms of gambling, considering that those most often fleeced by the casinos are the poor, working class, elderly and minority.

In other words, the Democratic base.

In Maryland, Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Democrat who once opposed the idea of casinos, is now leading the way for more gambling. Washington Post columnist Robert McCartney says an upcoming referendum to add another casino and table games at existing casinos poses a moral dilemma for Maryland voters. Should voters support “expanding gambling to create jobs and raise government revenue (especially in Prince George’s County), even if it tends to pick the pocket of the poor?”

Polls indicate many Maryland voters oppose more gambling, despite millions of dollars in advertising telling the public that gambling is good. Not to mention, the media does a poor job of detailing the economic and social costs of gambling, and instead just regurgitates the talking points raised by lawmakers and casino supporters. Even still many voters understand the money from casinos comes mainly from the pockets  of those who can least afford to gamble. In the end, all taxpayers pay for those costs.

Perhaps the reason Democratic lawmakers support casinos can be found in McCartney’s warped rationale. The Post columnist is willing to vote for more casinos even though he knows they are bad.

“On the one hand, I hate that state government is actively supporting an activity that contributes to addiction and extracts money disproportionately from lower-income peope,” he writes.  ”Casino companies’ campaign contributions have tainted the political process. Their endless, confusing advertisements befoul the airwaves.

“But I’m willing to cover my nose and support Question 7 for one reason: It’s the only way right now to quickly help the Prince George’s economy. And heaven knows the county needs a boost.”

That is one twisted argument.