PORTLAND - Most of the candidates running for governor oppose more gambling casinos in Maine, according to their answers to a questionnaire from CasinosNO!

While there are some differences in the depth of their opposition, nearly all of the candidates who responded to the questionnaire from both major parties and independents running for governor expressed the view that casinos do not offer true economic development benefits for Maine.

Gov. John Baldacci, who is leaving office early next year, is a staunch opponent of gambling casinos, as were the two previous governors, Independent Angus King and Republican John McKernan. The next governor could signal a significant change in casino policy - and a change in Maine's way of life - or continue in the tradition of limiting casino gambling in Maine.

A short questionnaire was sent to all candidates running for governor. Ten responded and others have made their positions known in recent forums.

According to their responses, Democrats opposed to casinos include Libby Mitchell, Steve Rowe and Rosa Scarcelli. Pat McGowan did not respond to the questionnaire but has stated clearly in public forums that he opposes casinos because he believes they are not a good soultion for economic development in Maine. Only Donna Dion responded in favor of casinos, while John Richardson did not respond to the questionnaire but said at a recent forum that he is "open to the idea of casinos" in Maine.

In his response, Rowe said, "I do not see casinos as a part of Maine's economic future. Casinos might look like an appealing solution to a depressed economy, but they generally cost all taxpayers more in the long run. Additionally, casinos pose a risk to Maine's quality of place reputation and favorable brand."

A casino's impact on Maine's image and brand also concerns Scarcelli. The candidate said in her response, "I believe casinos and gambling are ineffective tools for long-term economic development. Gambling only takes money out of the local economy without adding value. The state's image and brand, along with its quality of life, are some of its most important assets. They are the keys to greater economic development in Maine and need to be supported and enhanced. Casinos, slot machines and other gambling operations threaten to cheapen Maine's timeless image and brand."

Mitchell wrote, "I generally oppose casino and racino expansion." But she also wrote, "I have consistently supported the casino proposals offered by Maine's tribes, respecting their right to determine what is appropriate economic development." Mitchell stated at a recent public forum in South Portland that she will not support the Oxford County casino.

Among Republicans, Peter Mills is the strongest opponent of casinos, writing, "The principle purpose of a casino is to remove money from the local economy and transfer it to Las Vegas stockholders. I want to promote tourism and economic development in ways that are far more productive and directly beneficial to Maine citizens."

Republican Steve Abbott on the other hand offered a mixed response. He said casinos "are not a critical part of my economic strategy," and pledged that his administration "will work to increase MaineÕs fortunes not by relying on gaming revenue." But he added that a decision on more casinos should be left up to the host community. "If the people living in a town vote in favor of bringing a casino or racino to their town - and they are able to get the approvals needed either through the legislative or the Citizens Initiative process, their wishes should be heeded," he wrote.

Similarly, Republican Bruce Poliquin wrote, "I do not favor more casinos. I personally believe there is a better way to improve our economy than through the addition of casinos. Tourism is our largest industry and we must be careful to protect our brand." But Poliquin added, "If a community voted to introduce casinos into their area, I would respect the rights of individual communities to decide the issue for themselves."

Candidate Paul Lepage said that while he has opposed casinos and racinos in the past, he wants to research the issue further before taking a formal position. (Lepage's employer, Marden's, Inc., was a major donor to CasinosNO! in a past campaign.) "As Governor, I believe it is important that he/she never make decisions not based solely on personal biases, but rather on what is good for the people of Maine," Lepage wrote.

Republicans Matt Jacobson, Les Otten and William Beardsley did not respond to the questionnaire. However, Otten, a past contributor to CasinosNO!, and Jacobson answered "yes" to the casino question at a recent forum sponsored by the Associated General Contractors, while Beardsley answered "no."

Among independents, both Alex Hammer and Eliott Cutler voiced strong opposition to casinos. Hammer wrote, "Gambling is an attempted shortcut to true economic development. It is, in fact, a lazy man's (or woman's) approach to economic development. Here's why. True economic development strengthens the bonds of community. Gambling weakens them."

Cutler wrote, "People come to Maine for our quality of place. Offering more gambling is not a way to differentiate Maine from other places. In fact, it runs counter to - and dilutes - the strong brand that we enjoy as a state. My campaign is all about helping to create productive, sustainable economic activity in our state. Gambling doesnÕt contribute to that. Most of the excessive profits from gambling go out of state, and the people who stand to lose the most money are Maine citizens, not visitors."

To the question of whether he would veto a casino bill passed by the Legislature, Cutler responded, "Absolutely."

Green Party Candidate Lynn Williams did not respond to the questionnaire.

"The bottom line is that none of the candidates running for governor make a strong case for more casino gambling in Maine," said Dennis Bailey, executive director of CasinosNO! "It's clear that Maine voters who feel strongly about preventing more casinos from coming to Maine have several options in the race for governor, while proponents have very few."

(Note: Bailey is also an advisor to Rosa Scarcelli's campaign for governor.)

Contact: Dennis Bailey, 207-347-6077