What the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices took up at its meetings since 2019: late-filing penalties and requests to waive them, complaints and requests to investigate, audits, and what it decided, as its meeting pages record them. A complaint is an allegation; the decision is the Commission's. Items naming someone on this site are also on their page.
On July 8, 2026, Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith submitted a letter to the Ethics Commission concerning House Speaker Ryan Fecteau’s new employment. Her letter was shared with two news organizations which published online articles the next day. Speaker Fecteau requests that the Commission investigate whether Rep. Smith knowingly violated the confidentiality restrictions for legislative ethics complaints by sharing her July 8 letter with the press.
Decided: To take no further action on the complaint. (vote 4-0)
Seth Berry filed a complaint with the Commission regarding a campaign ad in the Richmond town newsletter that was purchased by House candidate David Guilmette. The ad lacked any statement of who paid for it. Mr. Guilmette describes this as an oversight. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommend finding that Mr. Guilmette violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1014(1) and that any penalty not exceed $90.
Decided: To find the ad was missing proper disclosure and reduce the penalty to $50. (vote 4-0)
On June 9, 2026, the Commission held a special meeting to consider a request by the Nirav Shah campaign to investigate text messages sent by the federal VoteRise PAC supporting three other Democratic candidates for Governor. The request asserted that the texts did not state the person that paid for the texts. At the June 9 meeting, the Commission directed staff to obtain documentation of VoteRise’s spending which would be relevant to whether VoteRise was required to register with the Commission as a PAC and file campaign finance reports. The Commission will consider whether to take further action on the complaint.
Decided: To continue the matter until the next meeting and receive additional information from Mr. Berkon. (vote 4-0)
Representative Richard Campbell submitted a May 4, 2026 bank statement documenting that $7,232.71 was in his campaign bank account. That balance agrees with the ending balance of his 2024 campaign. Commission staff recommends no further investigation of Rep. Campbell’s 2024 campaign finance reporting.
Decided: To take no further action on the matter (vote 4-0)
At its June 9, 2026 meeting, the Commission voted to investigate text messages sent by VoteRise supporting three Democratic candidates for Governor. A complaint had been filed asserting noncompliance with the “paid for by” disclosure requirement. At the June 9 meeting, the Commission directed staff to investigate VoteRise’s spending to verify it was not required to register with the Commission as a PAC or file campaign finance reports. The Commission staff expects to receive expenditure documentation shortly before the Commission’s June 24, 2026 and to report back on the investigation.
The campaign of Nirav Shah for Governor is requesting that the Ethics Commission investigate text messages received on June 6, 2026 urging support for Hannah Pingree, Troy Jackson, and Shenna Bellows in the Democratic primary election. The text messages do not contain a statement of who paid for them. Additional Material - Response from VoteRise PAC
Decided: To find the communications from VoteRise violated the attribution requirement and to access a $100 civil penalty. (vote 4-0)
The Commission received a complaint about a 2026 candidate for Sheriff of Oxford County, Frank Mawson Blauvelt, Jr. In October and December 2025, Mr. Blauvelt made some purchases from a printer for outdoor advertising items (signs, etc.) but was unaware that required registering as a candidate with the Commission. The Commission will consider whether Mr. Blauvelt was late registering as a candidate and filing his first campaign finance report, and whether to take action at the June 1 meeting.
Decided: To find Mr. Blauvelt registered late and assess a penalty of $100. (vote 4-0)
At the Commission’s May 6, 2026 meeting, the Commission considered complaints against three Democratic candidates for Governor concerning red box messages on their campaign websites. The Commission will give the issue additional consideration after reviewing a legal memo from its counsel and other input. Additional Materials - Campaign Legal Center Comments Additional Materials - Draft Advisory Statement
Decided: To adopt the Advisory Statement and promulgate it as effectively as possible. (vote 4-0)
The campaign of Republican gubernatorial candidate Ben Midgley requests the Commission investigate whether his primary election opponent, Robert “Bobby” Charles, is responsible for an anonymous website attacking Mr. Midgley. Additional Materials - Response by Bobby Charles Additional Materials - Response to Bobby Charles
Decided: To open an investigation into midgelyexposed.com to determine who financed it, and based on that, whether or not the website should have had a different disclosure statement. (vote 4-0)
In 2025, the Maine Democratic Party spent around $170,000 to oppose Question 1 on the November 4, 2025 ballot, which was a citizen initiative to restrict absentee voting. The party disclosed its financial transactions opposing Question 1 in its four quarterly campaign finance reports but did not file additional reports that were required because of the party’s activities against the initiative. Staff recommendation: the staff recommends assessing penalties totaling $9,000 for not filing the 11-day pre-election, 42-day post-election, and three 24-Hour Reports on time.
Decided: To find the five campaign finance reports were filed late and impose a penalty of $9,000 (vote 4-0)
The Commission received complaints about three Democratic candidates for Governor concerning red box messages on their campaign websites. Additional Material - Comments by Maine Citizens for Clean Elections Additional Material - Response from Nirav Shah
Decided: To request Mr. Bolton provide a legal opinion advising candidates and campaigns on the matter. (vote 4-0)
In October 2024, the Aroostook Democratic County Committee paid $1,999 to a local radio station to broadcast paid messages featuring six Democratic legislative nominees. The committee believed the payment was allowed under Maine Election Law because it promoted a slate of legislative candidates. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends finding that the candidates accepted an in-kind contribution of paid broadcast time in violation of the Maine Clean Election Act because each message featured one candidate, and did not list three or more candidates. Made by: Commissioner Schneider Seconded by: Commissioner Marble Made by: Commissioner Schneider Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Decided: To find the six 2024 legislative candidates violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1125(6) by accepting in-kind contributions of advertising time on Channel Z and to impose no penalty. (vote 2-1 (Commissioner LeClaire abstained))
In April, the Commission received a complaint asking the Commission to investigate whether the Cape Elizabeth school department qualified as a ballot question committee with respect to 2024 and 2025 school construction referenda. The school department responded that advertising in the local newspaper was to engage and educate members of the public, consistent with direction from the School Board and Town Council. The Commission will review legal memos concerning the applicability of the ballot question committee reporting requirements to municipal entities. Additional Material - Lynch-Benoit Response
Decided: To take no further action on the complaint (vote 4-0)
In the course of assisting a party committee with campaign finance reporting, the Commission staff received preliminary information indicating the party committee may have made an expenditure to rebroadcast some paid radio messages of several 2024 legislative candidates. The Commission staff proposes gathering more information through an investigation to determine if any contributions received by the candidates complied with legal requirements and (if not) whether the noncompliance was inadvertent or intentional.
Decided: To authorize staff to investigate the matter (vote 3-0 (Commissioner LeClaire abstained))
Robert Benoit and Mary Ann Lynch filed a complaint asking the Commission to investigate whether the Cape Elizabeth school department was required to register and file campaign finance reports as a ballot question committee. They believe the school department made expenditures of more than $5,000 for newspaper advertisements and related costs for the purpose of influencing November 5, 2024 and June 10, 2025 school construction referenda. The school department responds that these costs were undertaken to engage and educate members of the public, consistent with direction given by the School Board and Town Council to a School Building Advisory Committee. Staff recommendation: the Commission sta…
Decided: To move that the Commission would take testimony today which will close the evidence and defer the decision on the complaint until the Commission has had a chance to analyze the law further. (vote 4-0)
In mid-October 2024, the Maine Senate Republican PAC sent a postcard mailing in support of State Senate candidate Richard Bradstreet. The Commission received a complaint that the mailing is an illegal contribution to Sen. Bradstreet because the PAC cooperated on the mailing with the candidate’s treasurer. The PAC explains that its consultant who organized the mailing approached the outgoing State Senator about a written endorsement of Sen. Bradstreet without realizing that the outgoing State Senator was Sen. Bradstreet’s treasurer.
Decided: To find the Maine Senate Republicans PAC violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1015(2-B) by making a contribution and assess fine of $1,000. (vote 5-0)
The Commission will consider a complaint by Mr. William Clardy concerning the disclaimers on websites promoting 2024 candidates and whether candidates received in-kind contributions of website-related services that violated the terms of their participation in the Maine Clean Election Act.
Decided: To find the attribution was inaccurate and violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1014(1), the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1014(1) with respect to the payment and to assess a penalty of $159.50 for the aggregated subscription fee. (vote 5-0)
The Commission received a complaint concerning paid communications to voters opposing a referendum on the November 5, 2024 town ballot in Bar Harbor. Commission staff gathered preliminary information concerning the expenditures for the communications. Staff recommendation: based on the preliminary information received, Commission staff recommends taking no action on the complaint.
Decided: To take no further action on this matter (vote 4-0)
Caribou resident Ginette Rivard filed a complaint alleging that the Aroostook County Republican Committee paid for radio ads to support Ms. Susan Bernard’s campaign for the State Senate. As a Maine Clean Election Candidate, she is prohibited from receiving donations from outside sources except for independent expenditures or party candidate listings as permitted by law. Ms. Rivard asks the Commission to investigate the radio expenses made by the committee.
Decided: To take no further action on this complaint (vote 4-0)
Cape Elizabeth resident Elizabeth Bierman filed a complaint questioning whether a mailer sent by CapeVoters who are opposing the school bond referendum on November 5, 2024, requires a 24-Hour Report, and the costs of the website that have not yet been disclosed on the committee’s campaign finance reports.
Decided: To take no further action on this complaint (vote 4-0)
Tom Saviello filed a complaint about a lawn sign opposing his election as County Commissioner in Franklin County that did not include a statement identifying who had paid for the sign. He also photographed a similar sign opposing Stephan Bunker for the Maine House of Representatives that lacked the required disclosure. After being contacted by Commission staff, Jake Ducharme took responsibility for the signs and inserted the required disclosures. It appears that a total of five signs were initially posted without the required disclosure and were later fixed by Mr. Ducharme.
Decided: To find the Tom Saviello signs violated the disclosure requirements and assess no penalty (vote 5-0)
In mid-October 2024, the Maine Senate Republican PAC sent a postcard mailing in support of State Senate candidate Richard Bradstreet, who is running as a Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) candidate. The Commission received a complaint that the mailing is an illegal contribution that violates MCEA requirements because the PAC cooperated on the mailing with the candidate’s treasurer.
Decided: To ask the staff to investigate the issue (vote 5-0)
Attorney Newell Augur filed a complaint on behalf of his client, No on 12, who is opposing question 12 on the November municipal ballot in York. No on 12 alleges the expenses made by Yes on 12 to promote the referendum required it to register and file campaign finance reports with the Commission as a ballot question committee. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommend taking no action on this complaint because the information provided by Yes on 12 indicates it stayed under the $5,000 threshold to qualify as a ballot question committee. Additional Materials Additional Materials
Decided: To move the placement of the link to the report on the website constitutes an in-kind contribution, therefore finding Yes on 12 is a Ballot Question Committee constituting a violation (vote 2-3)
Freeport resident Ralph Dean filed a complaint regarding a mailing and hand-painted lawn signs promoting a Freeport referendum on November 5, 2024 regarding the town’s purchase of a parcel of land at 22 Main Street. His complaint asks whether the sponsors of the communications should register and file campaign finance reports with the Commission, and whether they failed to include “paid for” disclaimers in the mailing and signs. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends finding that Yes on 1 failed to include a required disclaimer in the mailing and assessing a penalty of $50. The information provided by Yes on 1 indicates it did not come near the $5,000 threshold to register and…
Decided: To find the mailer violated the disclaimer requirements and assess a penalty of $50 (vote 5-0)
Rep. Ann Higgins Matlack submitted a request for investigation concerning an anonymous postcard mailing to some residents of St. George, Maine urging a “no” vote on a May 2024 municipal referendum. She asks the Commission to investigate whether the card should have stated who paid for the mailing and whether the persons responsible should have filed information with the Commission. Additional Material
Decided: To postpone this item for one month. (vote 1-3)
Due to a 2023 law change, persons raising or spending more than $5,000 to influence a municipal ballot question in a town or city with a population of less than 15,000 must register with the Commission as a ballot question committee and file campaign finance reports. In the last two months, print and digital advertisements in the Boothbay Register have promoted a “yes” vote on an April 24, 2024 school construction referendum. The advertisements indicate they were paid for by “Citizens for a Bright Future for the Boothbay Region.” No one has registered with the Commission under that name. Also, commercially printed road signs without any disclaimer have been distributed. The Commission staff …
Decided: To authorize the Commission staff to conduct an investigation of this complaint. (vote 4-0)
The Commission will consider whether a flyer mailed in October 2022 that was critical of a candidate for State Representative contained the required disclaimer and whether the people responsible should have filed an independent expenditure report.
Decided: To find there was a violation of the disclaimer requirement. (vote 5-0)
Mr. William Clardy requests that the Commission investigate whether legal services received by State Senator Troy Jackson are a gift from his attorney which Sen. Jackson should have disclosed in his annual sources of income statements. He responds they are not a gift because he agreed to pay the law firm under a contingent fee agreement. Mr. Clardy also asks the Commission to investigate whether the law firm was required to file a report with the Commission because it made expenditures on behalf of Sen. Jackson. The Commission may consider part of this item in executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 1013(3-A). Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends taking no action on the complai…
Decided: To take no further action on both matters. (vote 5-0)
Investigations of Alpine Initiatives LLC and Stop the Corridor
On July 30, 2021, the Commission directed staff to investigate Alpine Initiatives LLC. Just before the 2018 general election, Alpine Initiatives made a $150,000 contribution to the Maine Democratic Party four days after it was created as a limited liability company. On March 10, 2020 and May 22, 2020, the Commission directed staff to investigate whether Stop the Corridor (Clean Energy for ME, LLC) should have registered with the Commission because it had engaged in financial activity to qualify a citizen initiative for the ballot to stop the New England Clean Energy Connect project. The Commission will discuss both investigations. If necessary, part of the discussion may be conducted in exec…
Decided: To accept and approve the consent agreements that were negotiated between the Commission and the respondents, and for the Commission to authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the Commission . (vote 5-0)
State Representative John Andrews has requested that the Commission investigate whether State Senator Troy Jackson submitted a false address in filings to the Commission because of the Senator’s ownership of a property in Augusta for roughly two years in 2019-2021. Senator Jackson has responded that because his home in Allagash, Maine is 300 miles from the state capital, he purchased a house in Augusta as a temporary place to stay to facilitate performing his public duties as State Senator and President of the Maine Senate. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends no further investigation.
Decided: To take no further action on this matter. (vote 5-0)
Ms. Jennifer Small has requested that the Commission investigate a flyer distributed within House District 52 in October 2022 that was critical of the Democratic nominee, Sally Cluchey. Staff recommendation: Commission staff recommends an investigation.
Decided: To have the Commission conduct an investigation into the matter. (vote 5-0)
William Clardy filed a complaint alleging that the American Leadership Committee - Maine political action committee (PAC) did not report its legal expenses and the value of staff time of an affiliated organization in preparing and fixing the PAC’s independent expenditure communications. Mr. Clardy also asserts that the expenditure dates in the PAC’s independent expenditure reports are not accurate.
Decided: That ALC-Maine PAC be found liable for reporting $55,654 of legal fees late on their 42-Day Post-General Report. (vote 5-0)
William Clardy filed a complaint against the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, which is a national organization that supports Democratic candidates for legislative office. He contends that the organization should have registered as a PAC due to its contributions to Maine PACs, online fundraising, and websites promoting Democratic candidates.
Decided: That the Commission did not receive enough information to demonstrate the DLCC must register as a PAC. (vote 5-0)
Rep. Shelley Rudnicki filed a complaint alleging her 2022 general election opponent, Robert Sezak, paid $7,341 to a vendor for four mailings that were never sent. She suggests the vendor used Mr. Sezak’s funds for communications in other legislative districts. In response, Mr. Sezak and the vendor provided statements from the U.S. Postal Service documenting its receipt of four mailings of 2,250 pieces and samples of actual mail received within Mr. Sezak’s district. Staff recommendation: the staff recommends taking no further action on this matter.
Decided: To take no further action on the complaint as there are no grounds to show that a violation occurred. (vote 5-0)
The Commission staff seeks authorization of the Commission to investigate three charges made to the campaign checking account of a Maine Clean Election Act candidate which the candidate describes as unauthorized, and any other reporting or other violations arising out of the candidate’s 2022 campaign. The Commission exited executive session at 10:58 a.m.
Decided: Pursuant to Title 1 of the Maine Revised Statutes, section 405(4), I move that we go into executive session pursuant to Title 1, sections 405 (6)(A) and (F) and section 1005, to discuss an investigation of potential violations of the Maine Clean Election Act and information contained in records made, maintained or received by the Commission which are confidential pursuant to Title 21-A, section 1003 (3-A). (vote 5-0 at approximately 10:40 a.m.)
In 2022, Frank Roma participated in the Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) program as a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives. He used $943.00 in personal funds to pay campaign debts, intending to be reimbursed by the campaign. Confusion over the two bank accounts resulted in the campaign having insufficient MCEA funds to repay the debts. Mr. Roma consequently spent more than he was authorized as an MCEA candidate. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends finding Mr. Roma violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1125(6) and assessing a penalty in the range of $200 - $400.
Decided: To find that Mr. Roma violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1125(6). (vote 5-0)
On October 26, 2022, the Commission found that mailings and digital ads by the American Leadership Maine-PAC violated Maine Election Law because they did not identify any top funders and the PAC filed a report late. The Commission will consider whether to assess any penalties. Due to a misunderstanding, Commissioner LeClaire asked to change her vote on the top 3 funder matter, which resulting Commissioner Hastings, who was on the prevailing side to seek reconsideration of that matter, which was approved and another motion was made:
Decided: To assess a fine to the American Leadership Committee-Maine PAC for $10,000 for failure to disclose the top 3 funders in their communications as required. (vote 4-1)
The Commission will continue considering contributions reported by the Maine Families First PAC and the timeliness of an independent expenditure report filed by the PAC.
Decided: To suspend the investigation and take no further action on this matter. (vote 5-0)
Mr. Rommy Haines filed a complaint asserting that a mailing sent in support of Rep. Susan Bernard’s campaign for State Senate, District 1 lacked the required disclosure concerning who paid for the mailing and whether it had been authorized by the candidate.
Decided: That the campaign was in violation of 21-A M.R.S. § 1014 (1). (vote 5-0)
Ms. Mary Small filed a complaint stating that mailings by the American Leadership Committee-Maine PAC did not include the required disclosure of the PAC’s top three funders. Rather than naming any funders, the literature contained the phrase “No top donors.” Regarding the disclosure issue: Motion: That the PAC violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1014 (2-B) and regulations Chapter 1, Section 7 (12)(D). Made by: Chairman Schneider Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings Vote: 5-0 Regarding the timing of the report issue: Motion: That the PAC violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1019 (B)(4) requiring a report of an independent expenditure. Made by: Chairman Schneider Seconded by: Commissioner Marble Vote: 5-0
Decided: That the Commission not impose a penalty because the evidence shows this was an incorrect interpretation of statute and regulation and the PAC has indicated that it will be corrected in future mailers.
Sara Salley and others have requested an investigation whether the Maine Families First PAC filed a complete quarterly PAC report of financial activity through September 30, 2022. Ms. Salley questions why the report did not disclose contributions that paid for a $999,245 advertising expenditure reportedly made on October 5, 2022.
Decided: To direct staff to gather more information on this issue and present it at the next Commission meeting for further consideration. (vote 5-0)
The Commission will continue its consideration of software that the American Legislative Exchange Council has provided to its members. After a discussion about the two motions circulated to the Commissioners, an amendment was adopted and approved by the Commission to cease the investigation without prejudice. More information will be available in the forthcoming minutes of this meeting.
The Commission will continue its consideration of software that the American Legislative Exchange Council has provided to its members. Supplemental Materials by Complainant Supplemental Materials by ALEC Proposed Motion The Commission will continue its consideration of software that the American Legislative Exchange Council has provided to its members.
The Commission staff will report on the status of the investigation into ALEC CARE software that the American Legislative Exchange Council provides to its members as a free membership benefit.
Decided: To continue this matter until the next meeting. (vote 5-0)
Mr. Charles Veeder has filed a complaint asserting that State Senate candidate Michael Tipping violated the Maine Clean Election Act because of his involvement in a postcard mailing by a PAC affiliated with the Maine People’s Alliance. Mr. Tipping is employed by the organization. Mr. Tipping responds he was not involved in the mailing. He has submitted a signed 2021 agreement between himself and his supervisor that he would not participate in any communications that would be relevant to his election.
Decided: To take no further action on the complaint due to insufficient evidence. (vote 4-0)
Michael G. Hein filed a complaint arguing that the Dinner Table PAC did not correctly disclose the employment information for five of its contributors in the PAC’s January 2022 quarterly report. Staff recommendation: the staff recommended taking no action on the complaint.
Decided: To dismiss the complaint based on the evidence presented by the PAC of having complied with the statutes and rules. (vote 5-0)
In July 2021, the Center for Media and Democracy filed a complaint alleging that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has provided campaign software to legislative candidates in Maine who are members of ALEC and that the software amounts to an illegal campaign contribution. ALEC responded that the software is for the purpose of helping legislators manage their relationships with their constituents. The Commission staff will update the Commission on developments since the January 26, 2022 meeting.
Decided: To direct the staff to issue subpoena(s) to determine whether the ALEC CARE software constitutes a contribution that exceeds the contribution limits. (vote WITHDRAWN)
In July 2021, the Center for Media and Democracy filed a complaint alleging that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has provided campaign software to legislative candidates in Maine who are members of ALEC and that the software amounts to an illegal campaign contribution. ALEC responded that the software is for the purpose of helping legislators manage their relationships with their constituents. The Commission staff will update the Commission on developments since the September 29, 2021 meeting.
Decided: To have the Commission staff continue attempts to obtain the contents of the ALEC CARE software, review it and report back to the Commissioners with the results. (vote 3-2 (Mr. Hastings and Mr. Schneider opposed))
Decided: To go into executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(E) to discuss pending or contemplated litigation with Commission counsel. (vote 5-0)
Decided: To find there are insufficient grounds to request the Commission staff conduct an investigation of the complaint filed by Clean Energy Matters against Say No to NECEC. (vote 4-1 (Mr. Marble opposed))
The Center for Media and Democracy has filed a complaint against legislative candidates in Maine and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) alleging that ALEC made contributions of valuable campaign software to the candidates that violated restrictions on contributions. The two candidates identified in the complaint acknowledge that they had access to the software as part of their ALEC membership but state that they have never used the software for campaigning or any other purpose.
Decided: Find insufficient grounds to conduct any investigation of Senator Stewart and Representative Harrington for the violations alleged by Center for Media and Democracy. (vote 5-0)
The Commission received a request to investigate whether advertisements by the Mainers for Fair Laws PAC did not include the PAC’s address, as required by the Election Law. The PAC acknowledges that the addresses are missing from the ads. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended the assessment of a penalty in the range of $1,000 to $1,500 for the violation.
Decided: Consent to the participation of the Political Committee and Lobbyist Registrar in this matter despite a conflict of interest as determined by the Maine Board of Bar Overseers. (vote 5-0)
The Commission staff recommended investigating Alpine Initiatives LLC, which made a political contribution of $150,000 in 2018 shortly after registering as a limited liability company. Motion: To request the Commission staff investigate Alpine Initiatives LLC or any other person associated with this financial activity violated Maine campaign finance law 21-A MRS §§ 1001-1105. Made by: Mr. Lee Seconded by: Mr. Schneider Vote: 5-0
Question on Confidentiality in Litigation (No written materials)
The Commission discussed whether to keep confidential the name of a political consulting firm that received an investigative subpoena from the Commission, in the event of any litigation over enforcement of the subpoena.
Decided: If an entity whose identity the Commission has kept confidential files suit objection to a subpoena served on it and then requests the court keep its identity confidential, then Commission will not oppose the request.
The Commission will consider whether to adopt a written determination proposed by staff documenting the Commission’s decision at its June 18, 2021 meeting concerning a request to modify an investigative subpoena to produce records.
Decided: To adopt the written determination proposed by staff documenting the Commission’s decision made at its June 18, 2021 meeting concerning a request to modify an investigative subpoena to produce records. (vote No vote held.)
The Commission will continue its consideration of agenda item #2 from the Commission’s June 11, 2021 meeting. Stop the Corridor and a political consulting firm have objected to a second investigative subpoena to produce records. The Commission will consider the objections as a petition to vacate or modify the subpoena under 5 M.R.S. § 9060(1)(C). Part of the consideration of this item may be conducted in executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(F) and 21-A M.R.S. § 1003(3-A).
Decided: Pursuant to 1 MRSA § 405(6)(F) and 21-A MRSA § 1003(3-A), to go into executive session to consider the objections to the subpoena that was served. (vote 4-0)
Complaint Alleging a Legislative Conflict of Interest
The Commission will meet in executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 1013(3-A) to consider whether to take action on a complaint alleging that a Legislator engaged in a violation of legislative ethics as defined in 1 M.R.S. § 1014(1).
Decided: To go into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA § 1013 (3-A) and 1 MRSA § 1005 to discuss a complaint against a legislator alleging a violation of legislative ethics. (vote 5-0)
Stop the Corridor has objected to a second investigative subpoena to produce records. The Commission will consider the objections as a petition to vacate or modify the subpoena under 5 M.R.S. § 9060(1)(C). In addition, the Commission will consider a petition to vacate a subpoena for records which the Commission issued to another political consulting firm. Part of the consideration of this item may be conducted in executive session pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(F) and 21-A M.R.S. § 1003(3-A).
Decided: To go into executive session pursuant to 1 MRSA §1005 & 1 MRSA §405(6)(F) to discuss records made confidential by statute relating to Stop the Corridor’s objections to a records subpoena and to consider the petition to vacate a subpoena filed by another consulting firm which has stated it believes its name is confidential. (vote 5-0)
The Commission received a complaint against the Sanford Democratic Committee asserting that the committee should have filed campaign finance reports during 2020 because it had received an in-kind contribution of office space. The committee responds that it did not receive or pay for the office space and has not met the $1,500 financial threshold to file reports. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended taking no further action on the complaint.
Decided: Based on the evidence presented, there is insufficient grounds to support an investigation of the complaint made by the Sanford Republican Committee. (vote 5-0)
During October-November 2020, Liberty Initiative Fund – Maine PAC made contributions to We the People PAC totaling $115,000 to promote a citizen initiative concerning eligibility to vote in state elections. Because the contributions totaled more than $100,000, We the People PAC was required to notify Liberty Initiative Fund – Maine PAC in writing of its duty to file a Major Contributor Report with the Commission. The report was not filed until April 2021 after an inquiry by the Commission staff. The Commission will consider whether either PAC violated the major contributor disclosure law.
Decided: To find a violation of 21-A § 1060-A(2), that the We the People PAC failed to provide a copy of the Notice to Major Contributor to the Commission. (vote Withdrawn)
The Working Families PAC is the leadership PAC of Diane Russell, a former State Representative and candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2018. The PAC has not filed five campaign finance reports due since October 2020. Following the 2018 primary election, Ms. Russell was required to file campaign finance reports semiannually until she resolved a large campaign debt. She did not file a campaign finance report due January 15, 2021. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended findings of violation and assessing penalties totaling $5,000 against the PAC and Ms. Russell.
Decided: To impose five penalties of $750 each, for a total of $3,750, pursuant to 21-A MRS § 1062-A(8-A) for not filing five campaign finance reports due at deadlines set out in 21-A MRS § 1059(2). (vote 5-0)
In September 2020, the Lincoln County Democratic Committee filed a complaint with the Commission concerning telephone calls made to voters in State Senate District 13. The committee contended the calls were a push poll that violated disclosure requirements in Maine Election Law. Two political action committees acting for the Senate Republican caucus have responded that the calls were part of telephone survey and therefore were exempt from the disclosure requirements. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended taking no further action on the complaint.
Decided: For the reasons stated by the Commissioners, that there be no further investigation of the complaint filed by the Lincoln County Democratic Committee. (vote 5-0)
The Commission will consider a complaint that signs promoting a candidate in a March 9, 2021 special election lacked a required statement of who made or financed the expenditure for the signs.
Decided: To find a violation of 21-A MRS § 1014(1) in that the four electronic signs did not have the required statement of who authorized the message itself.
April Turner was a Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) candidate in 2020 for House District 99. The Commission staff advised her that two payments of MCEA funds to her spouse, totaling $817.56 to reimburse him for internet and cell phone use, were not allowed under the Commission’s published MCEA expenditure guidelines. The candidate has not argued that the expenses were allowed. Subsequently, she has declined to respond to several communications by the Commission staff requesting the funds. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended finding that Ms. Turner violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1125(6) by spending MCEA funds for purposes that were not campaign-related and request she repay $817.56 …
Decided: To find that the reimbursement by April Turner to her husband Craig Turner for internet costs in the amount of $301.86 which involves the period of March through November 2020 and the reimbursement to Craig Turner for $515.70 for cell phone usage from the period of March through November of 2020 for a total of $817.56 were improper reimbursements because these were normal household expenditures for which clean election money cannot be spent. (vote 5-0)
On December 28, 2020, the Commission received a complaint by the Clean Energy Matters political action committee (PAC) against the two PACs promoting a citizen initiative to oppose the New England Clean Energy Connect project (NECEC). The complaint alleged that the two PACs had failed to report any compensation or expenditure reimbursements paid to Ms. Sandra Howard, who was actively involved in organizing the petitioning for the initiative. Ms. Howard and the two PACs responded that she was not being compensated and that No CMP Corridor PAC would be reporting all expense reimbursements it makes to Ms. Howard. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended against conducting an inves…
Decided: There were insufficient grounds to conduct an investigation in the complaint that has been made against No CMP Corridor and Say No to NECEC (vote 5-0)
House candidate Timothy H. Goodwin of Standish, Maine filed a complaint alleging that a proprietor of a local general store, Steve Collins, paid for and posted around 30 yard signs advocating against Mr. Goodwin’s election that did not clearly state who paid for the signs. Mr. Collins has acknowledged to the Commission staff that he paid for the signs. He has not responded to the complaint or provided any argument that the signs were in compliance.
Decided: To find that Steve Collins violated 21-A MRS § 1014(2), which is the failure to put the necessary disclosure on signs that exceeded a cost of $100 and assess a penalty of $200 for this violation. (vote 5-0)
The Working Families PAC is a committee formed by former State Representative Diane Russell. Ms. Russell has been filing campaign finance reports on behalf of the PAC during 2020 but did not file two campaign finance reports due in October, and has been unresponsive to email communications, phone calls, and letters mailed to her residence. The PAC’s treasurer, who resigned in September 2020, believes that the PAC’s actual cash balance was consistently less than the calculated balance shown on the cover page of PAC reports.
Decided: To authorize the Ethics Commission staff to review the transactions on the account and to investigate the failure to have a current address for the principal officer, failure to have a current treasurer for the PAC, and the failure to file various financial reports required under law for this PAC. (vote 5-0)
Kevin Bushey of Ashland, Maine filed a complaint questioning whether Rep. John L. Martin misstated his position at the University of Maine at Fort Kent in his 2019 Statement of Sources of Income. Rep. Martin has responded that he correctly identified his job title as Assistant Professor of Political Science.
Decided: There was insufficient evidence to investigate this complaint further. (vote 5-0)
On June 19, 2019, Stop the Corridor filed a proceeding with the Maine Superior Court arguing that the Commission had exceeded its statutory jurisdiction by expanding its campaign finance investigation at its May 22, 2020 meeting. On September 18, 2020, the Commission issued an investigative subpoena for records. Stop the Corridor is requesting that the Commission vacate the subpoena while the court proceeding is pending.
Decided: To deny Stop the Corridor’s request to vacate the subpoena (vote 5-0)
Two political action committees organized by the Republican caucus of the Maine Senate were responsible for the surveys of Senate District 13 voters discussed at the Commission’s September 30 meeting. The PACs assert the surveys were part of a telephone research polling intended to measure public opinion. The Commission will discuss next steps in the enforcement matter. Amended Motion: That the Ethics Commission staff proceed with the investigation of the complaint that the Commission had a preliminary hearing on two weeks ago, as the staff deems fit, with the ability to ask for further guidance from the Commission, as may be necessary, and, preliminarily, confidential information obtained b…
Decided: That the Ethics Commission staff proceed with the investigation of the complaint that the Commission had a preliminary hearing on two weeks ago, as the staff deems fit, with the ability to ask for further guidance from the Commission, as may be necessary
The Lincoln County Democratic Committee has complained that a Facebook ad by the Maine Prosperity Alliance PAC should be viewed as an illegal contribution to Sen. Dana Dow because he participated in the video used in the PAC’s ad. The Maine Prosperity Alliance PAC responded that it used video footage of Sen. Dow that was available on a publicly available website. Sen. Dow responded that he did not coordinate with the PAC on the ad.
Decided: That further investigation of this complaint be conducted by Commission staff (vote 1-4 (Mr. Marble in favor; Mr. Lee, Mr. Hastings, Ms. Lowry and Mr. Schneider opposed))
Dr. Demi Kouzounas submitted a request to investigate six 2018 Facebook advertisements featuring messages by the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Sara Gideon. Dr. Kouzounas asks the Commission to consider whether the ads amounted to an unreported contribution by the Gideon Leadership PAC to the Speaker’s 2018 re-election committee. Speaker Gideon responds that the ads do not mention elections or voting, and do not refer to her as a candidate in the 2018 general election. Rather, they were distributed statewide to support her work as Speaker through communicating official statements, press releases, and updates prepared by legislative staff. Speaker Gideon states that the politi…
Decided: That while the expenditures made by the Gideon Leadership PAC and the House Democratic Caucus PAC for the Facebook ads exceeded $400, they were not made for the purpose of influencing the election of a candidate to a state, county or municipal office. (vote 4-0 (Ms. Lowry recused herself from consideration of this matter))
Mr. Rommy Haines of Fort Fairfield filed a complaint alleging that in 2018-2019 State Rep. Trey Stewart of Presque Isle directed the Star City PAC to reimburse him for tires, vehicle maintenance, and clothing in violation of Maine law. The PAC reported these expenses as related to Rep. Stewart’s work in Augusta and campaign travel around the state. Since December 2018, Rep. Stewart has served as the assistant leader of the House Republican caucus.
Decided: To conduct no further investigation as there are insufficient grounds presented in the complaint. (vote 5-0)
The Scarborough Town Democratic Committee filed a complaint alleging that the Republican nominee in House District 29, Annalee Rosenblatt, paid for a mailing critical of her opponent that did not include the required “paid for” disclaimer statement. Ms. Rosenblatt responds that the mailing was sent by her former campaign treasurer after he resigned from her campaign, and she did not know about the mailing. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended taking no further action on the complaint.
Decided: To find insufficient grounds to authorize an investigation of the complaint against Ms. Rosenblatt. (vote 5-0)
The Lincoln County Democratic Committee requests that the Commission investigate telephone calls and text messages financed by an unknown source intended to influence the race in State Senate District 13 between Sen. Dana L. Dow and Rep. Chloe S. Maxmin. The committee argues the paid calls should have included a disclaimer statement and other disclosures required of a push poll and may require the filing of an independent expenditure report. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommended authorizing the staff to conduct an investigation.
Decided: To find there are sufficient grounds to conduct an investigation and that an investigation be conducted as recommended on page 11 of the Commission staff report. (vote 5-0)
Decided: Find that the 11-Day Pre-Primary report was filed four days late but defer consideration of a penalty until Mr. Gerzofsy has had an opportunity to request a waiver of the late-filed report penalty. (vote 3-0)
Dr. Demi Kouzounas submitted a request for the Maine Ethics Commission to investigate six 2018 Facebook advertisements featuring messages by the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Sara Gideon. She asks the Commission to consider whether the ads amounted to an unreported contribution by Sara Gideon’s leadership PAC to her 2018 re-election committee. Sara Gideon responds that the ads were not intended to influence her re-election to House District #48 and but were paid for by the House Democratic Caucus Committee to support her work as Speaker.
Ms. Cara Sacks submitted a request for the Maine Ethics Commission to investigate two digital advertisements paid for by Vaccinate Your Family that did not include the name and address of the person who financed the advertisement. The Commission staff also inquired into whether Vaccinate Your Family qualified as a ballot question committee. Vaccinate Your Family responds that the ads were not intended to influence an election but were consistent with its primary purpose of providing accurate information about vaccinations.
Decided: Adopt the staff recommendation to not investigate this matter. (vote 3-0)
Mr. John Jamieson has filed a complaint alleging that in 2017 U.S. Senator Susan Collins violated Maine Election Law by receiving polling services from her federal campaign committee for the purpose of deciding whether to run for Governor that exceeded the $1,600 limitation applicable for the 2018 election cycle. Sen. Collins responds that her committee’s expenditures for the polling were for a federal campaign purpose and she did not violate Maine law.
Decided: Adopt the Commission staff recommendation against conducting an investigation for the reasons stated on page 5 of the Commission staff memo. (vote 3-0)
At its March 10, 2020 meeting, the Commission directed its staff to investigate whether Stop the Corridor qualified as a political action committee, in light of its involvement in petitioning for a citizen initiative to reject the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission project. Following that meeting, the Commission received preliminary information and documents from legal counsel for Stop the Corridor. The Commission staff seeks guidance from the Commission concerning the scope and procedures for the investigation.
Decided: That the Commission staff should engage in an investigation to gain an understanding of the broad range of Stop the Corridor’s financial activities and the purposes of those activities that not only includes Stop the Corridor’s petitioning costs but also its spending on television, other paid communications, polling and payments to allies. (vote 3-0)
Stop the Corridor is one of the associations opposing the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission project. Clean Energy Matters (supporting the NECEC) requests the Commission investigate whether Stop the Corridor was required to register with the Commission and file campaign finance reports as a political action committee (PAC). Made by: Mr. Lee Seconded by: Mr. Nass Vote: 2-1 (Ms. Lowry opposed)
Decided: That the staff conduct an investigation to determine whether or not Stop the Corridor qualified as a PAC and had an obligation to register and report as a PAC because sufficient evidence has been presented to suggest that the major purpose of Stop the Corridor became to initiate or influence a campaign.
Say No to NECEC is a nonprofit corporation formed to oppose the NECEC. Clean Energy Matters requests the Commission investigate whether Say No to NECEC was required to register as a PAC.
Decided: That there is not sufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation into this matter. (vote 3-0)
Edward Youngblood has filed a request that the Commission investigate if the Gideon Leadership political action committee violated Maine election law in 2015 and 2016 by making six contributions in the name of Sara Gideon. Amended Motion: To find that the Gideon Leadership PAC violated 21-A M.R.S. § 1004-A(3) by making a contribution in the name of another. Made by: Mr. Lee Seconded by: Mr. Pattershall Vote: 3-0 Motion: To assess a $500 penalty. Made by: Mr. Nass Seconded by: Mr. Pattershall Vote: 3-0
Decided: To not request an investigation be conducted of the complaint involving a violation of legislative ethics because of the statute of limitations. (vote 3-0)
In 2018, Stephen C. Ball participated in the Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) program as a candidate for the Maine House of Representatives. MCEA candidates are not permitted to spend personal funds for campaign expenditures. The candidate used $393.96 of his own money to pay for decals to insert the required “paid for and authorized by” information on his signs. Staff recommendation: the Commission staff recommends finding that the candidate’s expenditure of personal funds violated 21-A M.R.S.A. § 1125(6) and assessing a penalty of $100.
After qualifying for Maine Clean Election Act (MCEA) funding, candidates are not allowed to accept cash contributions. John R. Clark, a candidate for State Representative, collected four contributions totaling $105 during the summer of 2018. The candidate believed he could continue to collect seed money contributions even after receiving MCEA funds.
Decided: To assess civil penalty of $250 for this violation, in light of the fact that the violation was the result of a purely innocent mistake and warrants a low penalty. (vote 4-0)