AUGUSTA (AP) – Passamaquoddy tribal leaders armed with 61,000 petitions say their proposal to the Maine Legislature is a peace offering: Vote for a proposed racetrack casino in Washington County and avoid a high-profile referendum.

The Senate, which already rejected the “racino” proposal on a 17-16 tally, is expected to make its final vote this week.

Passamaquoddy tribal Rep. Fred Moore said he hopes lawmakers approve the racino to avoid a divisive statewide campaign that would compete for attention against the governor’s race.

“This is an offer of peace, not a threat,” Moore said. “We are offering to disengage from political battles. We are offering to stay out of elections.”

The bill, which was endorsed by the House but not by the Senate, would allow a racino within 45 miles of an Indian reservation but more than 100 miles from an existing casino operated by Penn National Gaming Inc. near the Bangor Raceway.

Because of those stipulations on location, the tribal-backed racino could only be built in Washington County, and only if the local community voted in favor of the racino.

Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, said she doubts the tribe will win the support it needs in the Senate this week. The only question left, she said, is whether the racino referendum will be on the ballot for the June 13 primary or the Nov. 7 general election.

If it’s on the June ballot, it could influence the race for the Republican nomination. Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville opposes the casino, while David Emery of St. George and state Sen. Chandler Woodcock of Farmington support it.

If it’s on the November ballot, Republicans believe it could cost Democratic Gov. John Baldacci votes in eastern Maine, because he opposes the racino.

The petitions still have to verified by the secretary of state’s office. But the tribe says it has gathered 9,500 more signatures than needed.

AP-ES-02-05-06 1257EST