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Maine Governor Outlines Goals

AUGUSTA, Maine – As reported by the Portland Press Herald: "Gov. John Baldacci will outline his goals today for tightening state controls on the slot machines that became inevitable Nov. 4 when voters approved the racino referendum.

"The governor's legislation, which is being written now for consideration by the Legislature in January, fulfills a pledge to create a state gambling commission to oversee any racinos that result from the vote.

"…The bill also may include other reforms, such as limiting the number of slot machines, either statewide or at each racino. The referendum approved last month sets no numerical limits.

"Baldacci, who opposed the racino referendum during the election campaign, insists his plan will not try to prevent racinos from being developed in Maine. It also will not seek a follow-up referendum, as some racino critics have suggested, either to clarify the public's thinking on the issue or to give voters final approval of the proposed legislation.

"…Baldacci said some details of his plan are still being worked out, but he claims to have bipartisan support for the broad outlines. He even went so far as to say he would like the Legislature to give the plan unanimous approval…"

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