It is understandable that members of the state’s two largest Indian tribes are upset about the defeat of their proposal to build a $650 million casino in southern Maine. There is reason for them to be confused by the voters’ resounding defeat of the casino question, while voting in favor of slot machines at horse racing tracks last week.

Despite their feelings, it was not helpful for tribal representatives to storm out of a meeting of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission, the one entity devoted solely to bridging the gap between the tribes and the state that surrounds them. Hopefully, tribal members will soon get beyond their ill feelings and return to the table.

It will take a lot of effort to repair the damage done by last week’s vote, but the rift doesn’t have to be – and, in fact, can’t be – permanent. Just as the tribes need the state for economic development help, the state needs the tribe if it is to prosper.

So, despite last week’s heated rhetoric about racism, deceit and elitism, tribal and state officials must find a way to work together. The first step would be for the governors of the Penobscot Nation and Passamaquoddy Tribe to take Gov. John Baldacci’s calls. If they won’t even talk to the governor, there is no way progress can be made toward repairing tribal-state relations. Once they are talking, the governors should be frank – but not hostile – about their disappointment, but better yet, also about their hopes.

The casino vote is now over. So, too, should be the sharp exchanges about the tactics of casino supporters and detractors. Rather, all eyes should be focused on the future.

The tribes want, and have fought vainly for, more sovereignty. The state, although it doesn’t always acknowledge it, also wants the tribes to be more self-sufficient. People who feel more in control of their future will work harder to improve that future. After acknowledging their differences, tribal and state officials should focus on what their have in common – a hope for more economic prosperity while maintaining Maine’s unique character. They can then talk about real ways of achieving that goal (and the tribes are right: It will take more than Pine Tree Zones).

Gov. Baldacci should once again pick up the phone. And there should be an answer on the other end.