AUGUSTA (AP) – Supporters of an Indian racino in eastern Maine beat a 5 p.m. deadline by 25 minutes Monday as they turned in several cartons of petitions to state election officials in hopes of getting their initiative on the November 2006 ballot.

“This is really a reflection of the partnership between the tribe and its neighbors” in Washington County, said state Rep. Fred Moore III of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

The sentiment was seconded by Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry, who was also among the contingent of lawmakers and tribal members who brought the petitions into the Secretary of State’s office. Raye said signatures were collected in all 16 Maine counties.

The racino backers said they turned in more than 61,000 signatures, about 10,000 more than the minimum needed to get the measure on the fall ballot. They expressed confidence the minimum needed will be validated, though Moore said he was disappointed the measure could not have been authorized through legislation.

Moore noted that there’s an outside possibility the Legislature could enact the racino initiative if it chooses. He said the proposal is “vitally important” to the Down East region’s economy.

The petitions were turned in just days after the state Senate rejected by a single vote an order directing the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee to report out a bill authorizing a referendum on a tribal commercial track and slot machines.

While the bill was rejected 17-16, it was held and could face another Senate vote.

The order was introduced after lawmakers sustained Gov. John Baldacci’s veto of a bill calling for a Down East racino measure that included a referendum provision. The governor last spring vetoed a similar measure, which did not call for a public vote.

In 2003, Maine voters overwhelmingly rejected an Indian-supported initiative to build a $650 million casino in the southern part of the state.

Copy the Story Link