IMPORTANT NOTE: Live-streaming is unavailable for this meeting due to a technical issue.
A recording of the meeting will be posted on the Commission’s YouTube channel later today.
A link to the channel may be found at www.maine.gov/ethics.
1. Ratification of the Minutes of the February 28, 2023 Meeting
Motion: To adopt the minutes as presented.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 5-0
2. Complaint against the American Leadership Committee – Maine PAC
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.
Motion: That ALC-Maine PAC be found liable for reporting $55,654 of legal fees late on their 42-Day Post-General Report.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To reduce the penalty to $2,500.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To take no further action on the complaint of expenditure date accuracy.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Hastings
Vote: 5-0
Motion: To take no further action on the complaint of reporting staff time.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner Marble
Vote: 5-0
3. Complaint against the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
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.
Motion: That the Commission did not receive enough information to demonstrate the DLCC must register as a PAC.
Made by: Chairman Schneider
Seconded by: Commissioner LeClaire
Vote: 5-0
4. Resolution of Staff Review of 2022 Mark Lawrence Campaign
The Commission staff completed its review of State Senator Mark Lawrence’s 2022 re-election campaign, which was financed with Maine Clean Election Act funds. The bank at which he deposited his campaign funds has explained three unauthorized debits from the campaign account. Sen. Lawrence cooperated with the Commission by fixing some minor errors. Because all issues have been resolved satisfactorily, the staff recommends no further action.
5. Supplemental Payments of Maine Clean Election Act Funds
Candidate Registrar Erin Gordon will provide information concerning the Commission’s supplemental payments of Maine Clean Election Act funds to candidates.
ADJOURNMENT at 10:55 a.m.