"The Penobscot Nation can’t be faulted for seeking to boost tribal revenue by adding slot machines to its high-stakes bingo operation on Indian Island. Tribes around the U.S. have benefited from the highly lucrative casinos they’ve built over the last two decades, and though Maine voters have thrice denied casino proposals here, the Penobscot plan to add 100 machines seems different enough from the large-scale casinos to warrant a fresh discussion.

Timing is often a critical component of winning a political battle. In this case, the timing is bad. It was just over two months ago that voters shot down the casino proposed for Calais by the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Similar gambling referendums were defeated in 2000 and 2003; in 2003, with most of the electorate focused on the large casino referendum, the less controversial Bangor racino proposal was approved, which opened the door for Hollywood Slots.

The Penobscot Nation believes it has a right to at least make the case to the public for allowing 100 slot machines at its bingo hall. A statement by the governor, quoted by newspapers in 2003 after the Bangor racino was approved, seems appropriate: "The people have spoken," he said. The people should be allowed to speak again."

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Editorial: Gamble on vote (The Bangor Daily News 2/12)