NATION : Maine Backs Cruise Missile Ban

AUGUSTA, Me. — Maine voters endorsed a ban on cruise missile flights over the state and backers of the voter initiative pledged to take their fight to Washington to make the non-binding expression of sentiment stick.

Tuesday’s vote was “a first step toward stopping the cruise missile tests,” said Eric Johnson, campaign manager for the anti-missile forces.

With 587 of 666 precincts reporting, opponents of missile testing led by 52% to 48%.

The Navy launches unarmed but nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles from submarines. The missiles fly 500 to 6,000 feet above the ground to targets at the Navy Survival School in Rangeley, Me.