PORTLAND – Independent David Flanagan and Democrat John Baldacci joined two other gubernatorial candidates Thursday in promising to veto legislation that would allow casino gambling in Maine.

Flanagan, a former utility executive and one-time aide to a Democratic governor, announced his position two days after voters in seven southern Maine towns rejected casino gambling in their communities.

“If I am elected governor, I will oppose the establishment of casino gambling in our state. I will veto legislation relating to casino gambling and I would oppose a referendum campaign to try to establish one anywhere in Maine,” Flanagan said at a news conference.

He called on Baldacci to clearly state his position, and the Baldacci campaign quickly answered the challenge.

Casino gambling has emerged as a campaign issue because the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian tribes hope to build a casino in southern Maine. The tribes would need legislative approval for the project because casinos are now illegal in Maine.

The tribes don’t plan to put forward a proposal until the next legislative session, when Gov. Angus King, a staunch casino opponent, is out of office.

Flanagan said he has been studying the issue for a long time and that he planned to roll out his positions on various issues after Tuesday’s primary.

After reading the available literature, talking to citizens and local officials and visiting the Foxwoods casino in Connecticut, he realized the economic benefits of a casino would not make up for the problems one would bring, Flanagan said.

A casino would require heavy regulation, transform the character of the host community, adversely affect the environment, strain the infrastructure and possibly gain undue political influence, Flanagan said.

Instead of being seduced by the “silver bullet” offered by a casino, Maine needs to reduce its tax burden and the cost of doing business, help businesses struggling with the high costs of health care, halt expensive regulation and provide educational opportunities that are relevant to the job market, Flanagan said.

“It’s not as sexy as a casino, but it’s reality,” he said.

Flanagan challenged Baldacci to say whether he would sign or veto such legislation, characterizing the Democrat’s position so far as “contradictory and confusing.”

Baldacci’s campaign responded by saying he would veto a casino bill.

“He does not want to see casino gambling. He would veto casino gambling in the state of Maine,” campaign spokeswoman Donna Gormley said. “It is not part of his vision for economic development. He wants to see sustainable economic development for Maine.”

Gormley also said the four-term congressman would oppose a ballot initiative.

Peter Cianchette, who won the GOP nomination Tuesday, and Green Independent Jonathan Carter had each promised before the primary to veto any bill that would allow a casino in Maine.

Flanagan previously said Maine should at least consider a casino because of the state’s large budget shortfall and that the issue merited further study.

Another independent candidate, John Michael, a state representative from Auburn, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.