Despite living in one of the nation's most heavily taxed states, Maine voters on Tuesday soundly rejected proposals that would have reduced automobile excise taxes and put limits on future increases on state and local government spending and taxes.

Mainers also approved a ballot question that expands the state's medical marijuana law by allowing for retail dispensaries from which the drug can be distributed to patients.

Those referendums were part of a full slate of ballot measures that went beyond the closely watched gay marriage referendum.

Outside of gay marriage, the most contentious referendum was Question 4, which asked voters if they wanted to limit future increases in state and local government spending and taxes to the rate of inflation plus population growth. Voter approval would be required to exceed the limits.

David Crocker, chairman of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights campaign, or TABOR, said opponents played to voters' fears while outspending supporters by a 12-1 margin.

"Fear is very difficult to overcome," he said.

The proposal was modeled on a similar referendum that Maine voters rejected in 2006. Supporters said the measure would rein in government spending, create jobs and put money in people's pockets, but critics claimed it would hurt schools, transportation infrastructure, health care and other services.

Some voters said it didn't make sense to adopt measures that could cut state and local revenues during an economic downturn. Jessica Forrest, of Portland, said the school district where she teaches has already frozen budgets.

"My concern is we're already facing budget cuts because of the economy, and I know what it's like to have less resources," she said after voting. Continued...