Tribal racino backers ready petition drive

Tuesday, July 12, 2005 | 9:23 a.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Proponents of an Indian-operated racetrack casino in Washington County, who have twice won legislative backing in recent weeks but have been unable to overcome the objections of Gov. John Baldacci, are seeking to take the issue before state voters themselves.

Tribal leaders submitted an application with state election officials Monday, aiming to put the question out to voters in November 2006.

"We're putting to the people that which was authorized by the Legislature," said the lead signatory on the citizen initiative application, state Rep. Fred Moore of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

On June 23, after the Legislature adjourned, Baldacci vowed to veto a Washington County racino bill calling for a statewide referendum. The governor had vetoed a similar bill without a referendum provision on June 9.

Baldacci had linked acceptance of the referendum measure to its supporters' attainment of super majorities of two-thirds voting approval in the Legislature. The Senate's enactment vote was just short, 21-11.