SANFORD (AP) – Accusations of racism surfaced Tuesday in Maine’s casino debate as backers of a proposed Indian casino called attention to a sign they said was placed near the home of a pro-casino resident of Sanford who is part American Indian.

In other developments, casino opponents began airing an ad featuring Gov. John Baldacci and a citizen panel was poised to deliver a report to Sanford selectmen on the project’s impact on the town.

The handwritten sign, which read in part, “We took your land. Get over it. Vote No on three,” was found on the property of Bruce Jones, who said campaign signs have been stolen repeatedly.

Erin Lehane, spokeswoman for the pro-casino group Think About It, displayed the sign at a Chamber of Commerce event in Portland, saying it reflected racism by opponents of the $650 million casino resort proposed by the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribes.

Lehane later cited an anti-casino Web site called Maine Cowboys, which portrays the casino debate in a cowboys-versus-Indians light.

Casinos No! spokesman Dennis Bailey condemned the sign and said suggestions that his organization is racist were an indication that casino supporters were growing desperate as the Nov. 4 referendum approaches.

“If anyone anywhere is making any racial comments, we absolutely condemn them and we’re not a party to it,” Bailey said.

Jones said he found the sign Sunday on property he owns on Route 99 near his house, which is near land on which the tribes hope to build the gambling hall.

“Now they’re getting personal,” Jones said. “I’m fed up with it, enough is enough.”

The racism issue emerged just hours before Sanford’s volunteer task force was to deliver its report Tuesday night to the Sanford Board of Selectmen.

The Citizens Casino Advisory Task Force has examined a number of factors, including how a casino might impact the region’s housing stock, crime and gambling addiction.

On Monday, Casinos No! began airing a radio ad featuring Baldacci, who lays out some of the reasons for his opposition to the ballot question.

Baldacci expresses a concern that a casino would hurt the quality of life in Maine and make it harder to attract good-paying jobs to Maine.

“A casino is a step back at a time when we need to move forward,” Baldacci says in the 60-second spot. Casinos No! said it will be the governor’s only appearance in a political ad during this election cycle.

In the ad, Baldacci cited uncertain ramifications of the proposed referendum, long-term social costs and the state’s inability to change the legislation if it’s deemed necessary.

AP-ES-10-21-03 1302EDT