Baldacci veto pushes racino battle into new phase

Friday, June 10, 2005 | 9:47 a.m.

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday vetoed a bill supported by the Passamaquoddy Indian Tribe that would allow slot machines at a harness racing facility in eastern Maine. But rather than bringing the debate over the issue to an end, the governor's action will likely move the controversy to a new stage.

Racino proponents are expected to push for legislative endorsement of a statewide referendum vote on the proposal. And Baldacci, emphasizing that his opposition to expanded gaming in Maine is personal, said any change in current law should be up to the people.

"I oppose the expansion of casino gambling in Maine," Baldacci wrote in a formal message to the Legislature. "Despite the industry's representations, casino gambling will not improve the aspirations of Maine people or help us to reach our personal goals.

"This bill would significantly expand Maine's restrictive casino gambling laws by doubling the number of allowed slot machines statewide. This expansion would come before any slot machines have been placed into operation and before the necessary oversight and regulatory structures have been deployed.