Just one day after the Secretary of State's Office gave the go-ahead to two tax-related citizen initiatives, groups are taking up sides and getting ready for a public campaign.
The latest polls show a very close call on Question 2, which would allow a casino to open in Oxford County.
Both sides have made their final arguments in recent weeks, with casino backers promising good-paying jobs and money to state government.
Fed Up With Taxes, the group behind Question 1, has raised $3.5 million to try to get people to vote "yes" on Nov. 4.
Gordon Smith, a lobbyist for the Maine Medical Association and spokesman for the No On 1 campaign, said today the Dirigo Health Program will be hurt if voters repeal a proposed new funding source.
"It will be wounded and it will truck along until a new day and a new revenue source," he said.
The group opposing Question 2, which would allow a casino in Oxford County, recently posted an ad on YouTube to try to get their message out.
Dennis Bailey, spokesman for CasinosNo!, put out a statement today saying he's starting "The Daily Pat-Down," a Web page that can be found at casinosno.org that's devoted to countering statements made by Oxford County casino spokeswoman Pat LaMarche.
You probably haven't heard much about Question 2 on the November ballot, which would allow a casino in Oxford County.
CasinosNo! wants to change that.
