Constitutional Law

Campaign-ethics panel exonerates Maine newspaper

By By The Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine ? A Maine newspaper that provided free advertising that advocated electing Portland mayors by popular vote has been cleared of wrongdoing by the state's election-ethics panel.

Former Portland Charter Commission member Thomas Valleau contended that The Portland Press Herald violated campaign-finance laws by failing to disclose the ads as campaign donations.

The newspaper said the ads were part of its ongoing relationship with the Portland Regional Chamber.

The Kennebec Journal reported that by a 4-1 vote, the ethics commission concluded that the newspaper did not have to register as a ballot-question committee and disclose the ads.

The ballot proposal to have a popularly elected mayor was approved by Portland city voters in November. The Elect Our Mayor/Yes on 1 political action committee reported that the ads were valued at nearly $47,000.

Full post as published by First Amendment Center on February 18, 2011 (boomark / email).