AUGUSTA, Maine - The State Ethics Commission has voted unanimously to dismiss a complaint brought by the Maine Democratic Party against Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s campaign, as well as one brought by the Maine Republican Party against the federal congressional campaign committee of Congressman Mike Michaud, the Democratic candidate for governor.
In their complaint filed earlier this week, Democrats charged LePage was misusing state paid staff and state equipment in his campaign. Such use is in violation of law.
The commissioners listened to arguments and were clearly swayed by the explanation that the use of a state vehicle was dictated by security concerns. Any use of the governor’s SUV was considered incidental to his need for protection by the state police, who are with him around the clock.
Jonathan Wayne, executive director of the commission, advised the panel that determining what expenses are improper is not up the commission.
“These are important laws that are in place to make sure that equipment is only used for public purposes,” he said, “but there is no indication in statue that it is the commission’s job to administer or enforce those laws. “
Republicans acknowledged in their presentation to the commissioners that some of their complaint - that Michaud’s congressional campaign committee had improperly paid for gubernatorial campaign activities - had been explained by Michaud’s staff, and they withdrew part of it. The commissioners found that what was left was not worthy of an investigation.
But, this may not end the disputes. Either party could ask the Maine Attorney General’s office to investigate.
