Nearly $1.4 million spent on gambling referendums

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

PORTLAND, Maine -- The two sides in racino referendums in Saco and Westbrook spent a combined total of nearly $1.4 million, a sum that one expert says is more in line with a U.S. Senate race or a statewide ballot question.

Fewer than 11,500 voters cast ballots on Dec. 30 as the two cities turned thumbs down on proposals that would open the door to a harness track with slot machines.

Nearly all of the campaign money came from racino backer Penn National Gaming and two anti-racino groups, Casinos No! and Maine Opportunities.

The pro-racino campaign spending translates to roughly $137 dollars per vote; the per-vote cost to opponents was about $111.

The various campaign committees used the money for radio and television ads, consultants and polling. Tuesday was the deadline for the committees to file reports detailing expenditures and contributions.

"I have never seen outside money come in on a local referendum like this. It is unbelievable," Dennis Bailey of Casinos No! said.

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