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Maine Caps Super PAC Donations, Legal Showdown Expected
Maine voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum limiting individual donations to super PACs, setting the stage for a legal battle over campaign finance regulations.
English
United States
PoliticsUs PoliticsElectionsLawSupreme CourtCampaign Finance
Citizens To End Super Pacs In MaineFederal Elections CommissionHarvard Law SchoolEqual Citizens
Rick BennettCara MccormickLawrence Lessig
- What is the expected legal challenge to the Maine referendum?
- Supporters expect a lawsuit, believing the measure is legally sound and will bring clarity to PAC donation regulations following the Citizens United decision.
- What was the outcome of the Maine referendum on campaign finance?
- Maine residents overwhelmingly approved a referendum to limit donations to political action committees (PACs) that spend independently in candidate elections, capping individual donations at \$5,000.
- What is the main focus of the Maine initiative regarding super PACs?
- The initiative focuses on limiting individual donations to super PACs, an area the Supreme Court hasn't ruled on, aiming to reduce the influence of "dark money" spending.
- When will the Maine law go into effect, and what is the level of voter support?
- The law, if unchallenged, will go into effect this winter; nearly 75% of voters supported it. It only applies to PACs spending on candidates, not ballot committees.
- What is the perspective of Lawrence Lessig on the legal challenge and the Supreme Court's potential ruling?
- Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard Law professor and campaign finance reform advocate, supports the Maine referendum, believing the Supreme Court will uphold the state's right to limit contributions.