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Report: $2.9M Spent on Failed Casino Referendum

AUGUSTA, Maine - Supporters of a proposal to create a casino in southern Maine spent $2.9 million on the failed effort, making it one of the most expensive referendum campaigns in state history.

The Sun Journal reports that a Lewiston-based political consultant and former state lawmaker was paid more than $760,000 for the failed petition effort.

The figures are included in a report filed by the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said the campaign fell short of submitting the necessary 62,123 voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot. A judge upheld the decision on Thursday.