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Friday, March 29, 2024

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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

ME: Campaign Finance Reform/Money in Pol

More than 60% of candidates for Maine's legislative offices participated in the state's Clean Election program in 2022, up from 30% of candidates in 2000, when it began. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />
Maine considers expanding 'clean elections' law to county candidates

Maine could become the first state in the nation to provide public funding to candidates seeking the office of district attorney. Lawmakers are …

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In 2012, candidates took 7%, on average, of all their out-of-state money from ideologically-driven donors. But in the 2022 election cycle, ideological donors typically made up 13% of the out-of-state donor pool, according to Open Secrets. (Adobe Stock)
Local and State Politics Grow Increasingly 'Nationalized'

Political candidates running for federal office have grown increasingly reliant on out-of-state donations, according to a new report. Government …

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Corporate donations were the largest source of spending in Maine's 2020 election cycle, including some from foreign-owned companies. (Adobe Stock)
Maine 'Clean Elections' Campaign Shifts to November Ballot

Advocates for "clean" elections in Maine are gearing up for a November ballot referendum that would ban foreign government spending in state elections…

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Critics of the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission say it gave greater political influence to wealthy donors and corporations by allowing them to spend unlimited funds on elections. (Adobe Stock)
Lawmakers Consider Changes to Maine’s Clean Election Law

Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation to allow candidates seeking county level offices to receive taxpayer funds under the Maine Clean Electi…

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If lawmakers pass a ban on corporate contributions going directly to candidates or their committees, they join 22 other states plus federal elections for president and Congress with similar laws. (Adobe Stock)
Good-Government Groups: Bill Could Help Reduce Corporate Influence in Elections

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Good-government groups in Maine support a bill which would ban corporate contributions from going directly to state legislators or …

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U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is battling Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon. The latter has raised $23 million, making it the most expensive political race in Maine history. (Gage Skidmore/Flickr)
Experts See Maine Sen. Collins' Race with Gideon as Toss-up

AUGUSTA, Maine - Longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is facing her toughest reelection campaign yet. She's running against Maine House …

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Sen. Jean Shaheen, D-N.H., says dark money is making the work of Congress much more difficult. (Office of Sen. Shaheen)
Senator Says 'Citizens United' Blocked Plan to Curb Surprise Medical Bills

AUGUSTA, Maine - As the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision approaches, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said the …

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A new report card sizes up Maine's clean elections law and notes a couple of measure that failed by a narrow margin in the State Senate. (Royalbroil/wiki)
Scorecard: Some Progress, No Major Rollbacks on Maine Clean Elections

AUGUSTA, Maine -- A nonpartisan group is out with its annual report card on this year's legislative session, how lawmakers performed on Maine's …

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New England supporters of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau held a 6th Birthday party in Boston, but they warn that lobbyists are hard at work in D.C. trying to kill the agency. (MASSPIRG)
Mainers Need Feds to Help Ensure Consumer Protections

AUGUSTA, Maine -- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau turned six years old on Friday, and along with a birthday cake, New Englanders are getting …

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The media may be going overboard when it comes to fake news. New research shows voters are not that easily swayed. (Pinterest)
Researchers Say Voters Not Easily Fooled by Fake News

AUGUSTA, Maine – Despite claims by some politicians, fake news, social media and search algorithms don't sway public opinion, according to a …

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They have been marching against Trump administration policies and now, grassroots groups say the resignation of National Security Advisor Mike Flynn is a signal Trump's ties to Russia need to be investigated. (Peace Action)
Has Time Come for Probe into Trump Russia Ties?

AUGUSTA, Maine – The question was made famous during the Watergate scandal: What did the president know and when did he know it? Now, just over …

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The comment period is under way for the draft language for Question 1. Supporters who gathered in Concord last week say the goal is to hold lawmakers accountable to the people. Credit: Jeff Kirlin
Wheels in Motion for Campaign Finance: Question #1

AUGUSTA, Maine – The wheels are in motion for Maine voters to take a stand this fall on whether they want to change state law in favor of …

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