Look at the pronounced similarities in the casino referenda rejected last week by Maine voters and HB593, the casino bill teed up for a House vote in January.

Both are one-sided bargains written by lobbyists for casino gambling interests. Both make extravagant and unsupportable promises about jobs and tax relief. Both have been rushed to vote without even one public hearing.

Let's start with a careful reading of HB593.

Its backers claim that gambling tax revenue will be used to reduce business taxes.

No such tax cuts appear in any language anywhere in the bill.

Supporters are asking business to trust that some future legislature and governor will deliver on the promised tax cuts.

Read on from the Union Leader op-edit published today.

Even if you favor casino gambling, demand adequate scrutiny and a square deal for New Hampshire. Vote ITL on this one-sided bargain.