AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ A federal judge has sided with four supporters of Maine gubernatorial hopeful Eliot Cutler who want to increase their donations to the independent candidate.
In a decision Friday, U.S. District Court Judge D. Brock Hornby said the plaintiffs showed that they suffered "unconstitutional discrimination'' compared to major party candidate contributors in the three-way race.
The lawsuit against the Maine ethics commission challenged a state law that allows independent candidates to only raise $1,500 per donor. Democrats and Republicans can raise twice as much because they can accept funds for the primary and general elections.
Neither Republican Gov. Paul LePage nor Democrat Mike Michaud had a primary opponent.
Hornby said Cutler supporters have a "right to exercise their first Amendment rights.'' It's unclear if the judge's ruling will be appealed.