AUGUSTA, Maine - Supporters of a referendum effort designed to increase accountability and transparency in Maine elections, and limit the influence of big money, say they've raised more than $430,000 during the latest recording period.
Andrew Bossie is executive director of the group "Maine Citizens for Clean Elections Action." He says Mainers will be asked if they want to restore Maine's Clean Elections Act so that elected officials remain accountable to voters and not campaign donors.
"But it's also about increasing transparency in disclosure so we know who's influencing our vote," Bossie says, "and also making sure that when people play in our politics in Maine that they follow the rules, so we'll increase fines and penalties on those the break campaign finance laws."
Organizers say the campaign has received more than 1,200 donations from Maine citizens representing all 151 House Districts and 35 Senate Districts, and that the average donation from a Maine citizen is $88.
