With the location of Maryland's most lucrative gambling emporium now up to Anne Arundel County voters, the issue has begun to emerge in races for everything from County Council seats to the Governor's Mansion.

Some political observers do not expect the issue to dramatically drive voter turnout or tip the scales in statewide elections. But less than a week after Maryland's highest court ordered a ballot measure on the casino, politicians have begun staking out positions to appeal to local voters.

Some have shunned all contributions from gambling interests, while others have declared support for the Arundel Mills...