State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Millions flowing into Maine to influence referendum results in November

Portland Press Herald: Almost $10 million has flowed into efforts to influence Maine’s November referendum results, much of it from out-of-state organizations and individuals, according to quarterly finance reports filed with the state ethics commission. Contributions to all ballot questions total $9.5 million overall, with $5.1 million coming in during the last three-month period. Contributions supporting a measure that would require background checks on private gun sales and transfers have topped $3.7 million alone. Backers of two other ballot initiatives – marijuana legalization and a tax on high earners to fund education – have taken in more than $3 million.

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