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News and notes
Maine's campaign finance watchdog will wrap up a probe into a conservative group later this year.
— The Maine Ethics Commission met Wednesday to discuss how it would wind down its investigation into the American Legislative Exchange Council, the subject of a complaint from a liberal group that has accused Republican candidates of not disclosing use of software that could be used to campaign.
— No evidence has emerged of that happening in Maine so far and the commission could face an expensive fight if it probes more. Commissioners are now planning to issue language on their findings that informs candidates the software would have to be reported as a donation if used to campaign, but they were still workshopping that document and said they needed more time.
Former President Donald Trump'splans to reshape the civil service could face unified resistance from Maine's congressional delegation.
— A massive change that Trump previewed late in his administration that would allow him to recategorize tens of thousands of career federal employees as political appointees who could be hired and fired is looking like a centerpiece of the Republican's agenda if he runs for president again in 2024.
— But as we told you yesterday, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she would oppose "blatant efforts to politicize the civil service." Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, both Democrats, backed their party's bid to block such a change as part of the defense budget this month. The office of Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, pointed to his work on a 2020 bill to block it.
— Trump is not the favored subject of delegation Democrats, however: "Congressman Golden is focused on working to address inflation and the effects of high oil and gas prices, provide for our national security, and protect access to VA care for rural veterans in our state," spokesperson Nick Zeller said. "He is not spending his time considering proposals from possible presidential candidates for an election that is over two years away." |
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What we're reading
— An obscure court case from 2013 could have enshrined abortion rights in the Maine Constitution, a possibility that Mills said she was considering in preparing legislation on the issue if she wins re-election this year.
— The large group of towns looking to revive a Hampden waste processor will partner with a New York investment firm to buy the plant.
— A Gorham woman filed a lawsuit claiming Cumberland County jail officials revoked the security clearance she needed to work at the commissary after she reported COVID-19 policy concerns to the Maine CDC.
— The driver of a logging truck with a trailer wheel that flew off and killed a Maine state police detective in 2019 will admit responsibility and ink a plea deal after being charged with misdemeanor and civil violations.
— Dozens of businesses and trade groups are asking the state to delay the effective date of a PFAS reporting law, Maine Public reports. Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, who championed the law, called it an example of "unwillingness to comply." |
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