Politics

Your Vote 2014

For MPBN's Your Vote 2014 live election results, click here.MPBN’s elections compendium is brought to you by AARP, MEMIC and Lambert Coffin.Debates:Click here to watch the 1st Congressional District debateClick here to watch the 2nd Congressional District debateClick here to watch the Senate debateClick here to watch the gubernatorial debateResources:Gubernatorial Race: GridPaul LePage (R)Mike Michaud (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewEliot Cutler (I): Maine Calling interviewSenate Race: GridSusan Collins (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewShenna Bellows (D): Profile, Maine Calling interview1st District Congressional Race: GridChellie Pingree (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewIsaac Misiuk (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewRichard Murphy (I): Profile, Maine Calling interview2nd District Congressional Race: GridEmily Cain (D): Profile, Maine Calling interviewBruce Poliquin (R): Profile, Maine Calling interviewBlaine Richardson (I): Profile, Maine Calling interviewFor a list of referendum questions, click here.

$1.6 Million Spent on Bear Hunt Ballot Question TV Ads

Maine Public

Published October 23, 2014 at 6:09 AM EDT

By Alanna Durkin, The Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine — An analysis shows that two groups fighting over a contentious ballot measure in Maine that would could ban the use of dogs, bait and traps for bear hunting have spent $1.6 million so far to run television advertisements.

The numbers released Thursday by the Center for Public Integrity show that the pro-ban group Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting has spent $860,500. The Maine Wildlife Conservation Council, which is opposing the ballot question, has shelled out about $712,700.

The numbers details spending for ads on national cable and broadcast television in each of the country's 210 media markets through Oct. 20

Supporters of the ban argue that practices are cruel and haven't helped control Maine's bear population. Opponents say the ban will cause the bear population to explode, putting the population at risk.