Gov. John Lynch was wise to not look to expanded gambling in his proposed budget, but the vultures are circling. Corporate gambling interests are moving aggressively to capitalize on tough economic times, pushing proposals for slot machines or casinos in at least 14 states, according to the Associated Press. They hold out glittering promises of quick, easy millions. The AP quotes Earl Grinols, an economics professor at Baylor University who specializes in gambling: "From the gambling industry's point of view, this is their big chance."

For New Hampshire, expanding slot machines, called the "crack cocaine of gambling," is a costly choice. The bill being studied in New Hampshire includes $5 million for addiction treatment.

Why prop up our failing racetracks with expanded gambling? The state's incestuous relationship with racing goes back a long way. "The Economic and Political Impact of Rockingham Park," published in Historical New Hampshire's spring-summer 1998 edition, makes fascinating reading. Here's an excerpt: "Not long before the U.S. entered World War II, about 30 members of the General Court were drawing salaries from Rockingham Park. At a later point, Governor (Lane) Dwinell recalled, 'We figured that 75 members of the House of Representatives worked for the track. Even more than that would drink the race track's free liquor over at the Eagle Hotel after sessions.' "

A half-century later, we still haven't put the state on reliable revenue footing, making us vulnerable to the predatory practices of a profit-driven corporate gambling industry. All the more reason to hold the line.

JANE VACHON

Strafford