House backs tribal racino

By MARK PETERS, Portland Press Herald Writer

Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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THE DOWN EAST RACINO PROPOSAL THE PLAN for a tribal-run harness-racing track with slot machines needs legislative approval because slots are illegal in Maine except at Bangor Raceway. A legislative committee backed the bill by a 12-1 vote on May 4. THE RACINO would have 1,500 slots and an all-weather track for harness racing. It could include a high-stakes bingo hall. There is also talk about developing a hotel, resort or other amenities along with the track. THE PASSAMAQUODDY Tribe would build the racino in Washington County, possibly either Calais or Machias. The tribe would operate the track and slots, sharing slot revenues with Maine's three other tribes. The rest would go to funds for harness racing, college scholarships and Washington County. To top of story

AUGUSTA — The Maine House of Representatives overwhelmingly backed the expansion of gambling into Washington County, passing a bill Tuesday that would allow the state's Indian tribes to open a harness racing track with slot machines there. The 94-53 vote is an initial victory for the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot tribes, Down East business leaders and the harness racing industry in their fight to start a Washington County racino.

The bill still needs the approval of the state Senate and Gov. John Baldacci, who opposes an expansion of gambling in Maine. Baldacci reiterated Tuesday that he is "strongly considering a veto" if the bill passes the Senate.

But the focus of tribal leaders and other racino supporters on Tuesday was not Baldacci, but legislators. They spent the day outside the House chamber, making sure the racino bill had strong support when the evening vote happened.

Right now, state law only allows Bangor Raceway to have slot machines. The pending bill would allow the tribes to build and operate a second racino with up to 1,500 slots.

The House debate focused on what a racino would mean to Washington County and the future of gambling in Maine.

Supporters of the bill pitched a racetrack and slots as an economic boon for a county where some communities struggle with a double-digit unemployment rate. The racino would draw tourists to Washington County, and a percentage of the bets would go to other economic development projects there.

"I am asking you to pass this and give us an opportunity to pull ourselves out of this quagmire we have been in for years," said state Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais.

Supporters say the slots would help give Maine's tribes a deserved financial boost, while preserving and expanding horse farms in the state. They also cast the proposed slots in Washington County as a fair and logical expansion of gambling in the state.

"Let's be honest. We continue to expand lottery games, but we should stifle racinos?" asked Rep. Rosaire "Ross" Paradis, D-Frenchville.

But opponents of the racino proposal called it a problematic bill that is missing a number of key details. They said it is unclear who is the racino's financial backer, whether it limits the tribes to one facility, and if they could put slots outside of Washington County.

"Do you know what you are being asked to vote for?" asked Rep. Patricia Blanchette, D-Bangor.

Other opponents asked why lawmakers were deciding on the issue after voters in 2003 backed slots only at the state's two existing commercial tracks, contingent on local approval. They also questioned whether gambling would boost Washington County's economy or just exacerbate existing problems.

"The only money made is when someone loses. This can't be a win-win situation," said Rep. Robert Daigle, R-Arundel.

But after more than an hour of debate, the bill won strong backing from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Passamaquoddy Rep. Frederick Moore said lawmakers responded to the hard work of the tribes and the people of Washington County who are pushing for the bill.

The issue now moves to the Senate, where it is less clear whether the racino bill will win approval. Leaders of both parties in the Senate said their members are divided on the bill, which could come up for a vote as early as today.

Meanwhile, Baldacci spokesman Lynn Kippax said the governor continues to strongly consider a veto. Baldacci has said he opposes expanding slot machine gambling past Bangor.

When asked about a possible veto, Moore, the Passamaquoddy representative, said: "We will cross that bridge when we get to it."

To override a veto, the bill would have to have two-thirds support in the House and Senate. Even Tuesday's strong vote in the House fell short of that.

Staff Writer Mark Peters can be contacted at 623-1031 or at:

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