BANGOR, Maine — Today Senate President Troy Jackson of Allagash and Sen. Joe Baldacci of Bangor shared their concerns about out-of-state funding influencing Maine elections.
The two Democrats claim that those funds are being used to support misleading ads on Democratic candidates running for the State Legislature, the state's financial health, and local policies.
"These lies that are just brought in with out-of-state money to try to tear down people's records, just complete falsehoods, [and] are hired to push back against," Senate President Jackson said.
Former House Republican leader and current candidate for the Maine House of Representatives Ken Fredette argues Democrats also benefit from out-of-state funding.
"Democrats typically outspend Republicans sometimes three, four, five times to one in legislative spending, and a lot that money comes from out-of-state, and that's just the way it is. It's legal and that’s the way the system works unfortunately," Ken Fredette said.
Senate President Jackson and Sen. Baldacci also called for measures to ensure that local elections are focused on the needs and interests of Maine residents.
"I can guarantee you that these out-of-state money dark lies [are] only here to take over the Maine Senate, take over the Maine House, and start giving money back to the wealthiest people in the state and country," Senate President Jackson said alongside Sen. Baldacci and the Bangor legislative delegation.
Senate Republican Leader Trey Stewart of Aroostook County echoed Fredette's statement.
"It's rich that while Senate Democrats have been the beneficiaries of more than $6 million in out-of-state money and their top donors are all out-of-state dark money entities, wealthy millionaires or PACs from out-of-state donors, they cry foul when Republicans fundraise effectively,” Senate Republican Leader Stewart said.
This election cycle, Question 1 on the Maine Ballot asks voters if there should be a $5,000 limit on donations to political organizations that independently support or oppose candidates running for office.
If you would like to learn more about the upcoming election, click here.