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Election 2007: At stake are a racino, millions of dollars in bonds, House races and local races.

By PAUL CARRIER, Staff Writer November 4, 2007

AUGUSTA -- Last year's governor's race got more headlines, and next year's U.S. Senate matchup will be more contentious. But Tuesday's off-year election is one to watch because it features important referendums, several midsession legislative races and local balloting in dozens of communities.

"It's a busy year for an off year," said Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, whose office oversees elections.

Voters statewide will decide whether to legalize slot machines in Washington County, extend term limits for state lawmakers and borrow a total of $134 million, plus interest, for a wide range of projects.

More than 50 cities and towns have elections on tap.

Voters in Wiscasset will weigh in on a proposed coal-and-wood gasification plant. South Portland voters face a $56 million borrowing request for construction at their high school. Portland voters will fill two at-large seats on the City Council and two more on the School Committee. And there's a three-way race for mayor in Biddeford.

On top of that, special elections are scheduled Tuesday to fill five seats in the Maine House of Representatives, where deaths and resignations have created openings midway through the Legislature's two-year term.

In House District 99, the lone southern Maine district on that list, Republican Ralph Sarty Jr. of Denmark and Democrat Kate Smith of Sebago are vying for the right to represent Baldwin, Cornish, Denmark, Limington and Sebago.

"This is the first time in at least 30 years that we've had five (special House elections) in November" during an off year, said House Clerk Millicent MacFarland.

With five statewide questions on the ballot as well as local issues that may lure voters to the polls, Dunlap said close to 30 percent of Maine adults may cast ballots this year.

That would be high for an off-year election with no presidential, congressional or gubernatorial races, when the turnout usually runs from 12 percent to 20 percent, Dunlap said.

Topping the statewide ballot is Question 1, which would allow the Passamaquoddy Tribe to install slot machines at a yet-to- be-built harness-racing track in Washington County, probably in Calais.

The citizen-initiated referendum also would allow that tribe, or a group of tribes, to offer high-stakes bingo in Washington County.

Both sides in the racino campaign have run television ads, but this year's debate about gambling has been far less expensive than the 2003 campaign, in which voters rejected a tribal casino for southern Maine but authorized slot machines at harness tracks. Passage of the racino referendum in 2003 paved the way for Penn National Gaming to open Hollywood Slots in Bangor, the only racino currently allowed by state law.

The two sides in this year's gambling debate raised almost $1 million through Oct. 23. Four years ago, activists spent more than $11 million supporting or opposing the two gambling questions.

There is no organized opposition to the bond issues, Questions 2, 3 and 4.

Question 2, the largest of the three bonds, would borrow $55 million for economic development, most of which would be distributed as research-and-development grants after a competitive-bidding process.

Question 3 seeks $43.5 million for renovations and additions in the Maine Community College System, the University of Maine System and at Maine Maritime Academy; for school repairs and renovations; and for capital improvements at cultural and educational facilities, such as museums and libraries.

Question 4, the smallest bond, calls for borrowing $35.5 million for natural resources, including $17 million to replenish the Land for Maine's Future Program, which preserves open space. It also would be used to promote riverfront redevelopment, protect waterfront access and support municipal and agricultural improvements.

The fifth ballot question would extend term limits for state legislators from four consecutive...