Proposed casino in Maine appears headed to defeat

MAINE -- As reported by the Portland Press Herald: "A proposed casino in Oxford County appeared headed to defeat early this morning.

"After a night of back-and-forth returns, 54 percent of voters were opposed to Question 2, a referendum question that would legalize a casino in the town of Oxford, and 46 percent were in favor, with 71 percent of precincts reporting.

"...(The casino) was projected to employ 900 people and provide roughly $50 million to the state each year in taxes. It also was projected to employ 1,277 people in construction.

"...The Oxford County question was the latest gambling proposal to go to Maine voters. In 2003, a high-profile referendum campaign ended with the defeat of a plan for a tribal casino in southern Maine...