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Maine Bill Moves Ahead

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Bangor Daily News: "In a historic development Thursday, a bill that would pave the way for a tribal racetrack and casino in Washington County received final and all-but-final approval respectively in the House and Senate.

"The measure could reach Gov. John E. Baldacci's desk today where the legislation faces a dead-on-arrival reception.

"'If it reaches my desk, I'm going to veto it,' Baldacci vowed Thursday afternoon. 'Casinos in Washington County are not sustainable economic development.'

"…Whatever the state has up its sleeve for Maine's poorest county, nothing was looking as good to the state's Indian tribes and some eastern Maine lawmakers as the potential gambling profits provided under LD 1573. The bill would allow Maine's Passamaquoddy Tribe to operate up to 1,500 slot machines, a horse-racing track and, potentially, a high-stakes bingo hall, hotel and other facilities.

"…Still, the legislation faces not only opposition from the governor - whose veto would have to be overturned by two-thirds of the lawmakers present and voting - but also from opposing forces concerned over the expansion of commercial gambling in the state…"

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