Opponents of a referendum that would legalize a casino in Oxford County remained comfortably ahead this morning as precincts continued to report in.

With 86 percent of precincts in, 54.82 percent of voter were against the casino question, and 45.18 percent were in favor.

Those numbers were pretty much insurmountable, acknowledged Pat LaMarche, spokeswoman for the pro-casino campaign.

"I'm not a big believer in miracles," LaMarche said this morning.

She said she thought casino backers would stop looking at Maine as a place to invest, and would instead eye neighboring northern New England states.

"I think there's going to be a point where somebody who's got a more friendly business climate is going to offer an opportunity to someone to open a resort like this," said LaMarche. "They'll beat us to the punch."

Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNo!, said he thought there would be more attempts to get a casino in Maine, but that proponents might wait a few years.

"They can't come back anytime soon," said Bailey. "(But) the money is just so good for these guys. It's so enticing to try and try and try."

"Voters in Maine have again rejected casino gambling - and all the problems that go along with it - in Maine," Gov. John Baldacci said in a statement. "My administration will continue to work for sustainable economic development and job creation in Oxford County and around Maine. Hopefully, this latest vote will slow the onslaught of out-of-state interests that continue to push for expanded gambling in Maine."

Bailey also acknowledged that with 86 percent of precincts reporting, casino opponents have won again.

"Our numbers keep going up," said Bailey. "There's no way (for proponents) to make up the votes."