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Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Baldacci considers Indian racino veto
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AUGUSTA — Gov. John Baldacci hardened his opposition to any expansion of gambling in Maine, telling lawmakers Monday that he would probably veto a bill to open a racetrack with slot machines in Washington County. The possibility of a veto comes as the racino proposal heads to the full Legislature for a vote as early as this week. Baldacci's opposition is expected to influence the way legislators view the bill, which has strong backing from Maine's Indian tribes as well as Washington County business leaders and lawmakers. The governor met Monday with supporters of the so-called Washington County racino bill and told them he is strongly considering a veto. Baldacci's spokesman, Lynn Kippax, said the governor "likely would not sign the bill if it gets to his desk." Supporters of the bill disagreed with Baldacci's intensifying opposition, but say they will focus on the House and Senate right now. The proposal earlier this month won strong support from a key legislative committee, but Maine's anti-gambling lobby and the Baldacci administration are working against it. Baldacci has said he opposes the expansion of gambling in Maine beyond a racino planned for Bangor Raceway. Monday's threat of a veto sharpens his stance. "We all sat down (afterward) and said we have our work cut out for us," said state Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, a racino supporter who attended the meeting with Baldacci. The debate over a Washington County racino has revolved around whether expanding gambling is the right way to help Maine's tribes and boost Down East's faltering economy. The bill would allow a tribal-run harness racetrack with up to 1,500 slot machines. Most slot revenues would go to Maine's four Indian tribes, education and economic development in the county. But the racino proposal does not match the governor's vision for development Down East. Baldacci declined a request for an interview Monday. Meanwhile, the administration is working to defeat the bill by talking with lawmakers about why a racino is a bad idea, said Alan Stearns, a senior policy adviser to the governor. House Majority Leader Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, said the governor's stance will be a key factor when House Democrats discuss whether they should support the bill. It may sway undecided lawmakers away from the proposal, he said. "The governor has shown strong leadership on this, and that will influence positions," Cummings said. He said one of Baldacci's arguments is that voters did not approve slot machines in Washington County in the November 2003 vote on slots at racetracks. That referendum allowed slots at Bangor Raceway and Scarborough Downs, contingent on local approval. Perry and other supporters of the Washington County racino question how much the governor will influence lawmakers. Perry said Baldacci's position hasn't been an issue as she talks to her colleagues about the bill. Still, a veto would be tough to overcome. An override requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Supporters of the racino say Baldacci has not shut the door completely on signing a bill, and they will continue trying to persuade him that a racino is right for Washington County. "I'm hopeful the governor will do the right thing and not deprive the most economically disadvantaged part of his state," said Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry. Staff Writer Mark Peters can be contacted at 623-1031 or at: mpeters@pressherald.com
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