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Contributions and Expenditures

Contributions by a PAC

PACs may make a contribution directly to a candidate, provided that the candidate is not participating in the Maine Clean Election Act Program. The PAC may not contribute more than the contribution limits for candidates. PACs may also make contributions to other PACs and to party committees, and those contributions are not subject to a contribution limit.

Expenditures by a PAC

PACs may make expenditures to support or oppose candidates or ballot questions. PACs that spend money in coordination or in consultation with a candidate are considered to have made a contribution to the candidate. For more information, please read Spending Money in Cooperation with Campaigns located under the Guide to Political Activity section.

PACs may spend an unlimited amount of funds to support or oppose a candidate, provided that the expenditure is made independently of the candidate. Please read about Independent Expenditures in the Guide to Political Activity section for more information.

Contributing to a PAC

There is no limitation on the amount of money a contributor may give to a PAC. Unions and corporations may make contributions to PACs from their general treasuries. Funds that an organization earmarks or directs through a PAC to a specific candidate are considered to be a contribution by the organization to the candidate.

Anytime the Legislature is in session, lobbyists and their clients are prohibited from contributing to PACs in which certain covered officials hold positions (treasurer, officer, primary fund-raiser, or decision maker). For more information, please refer to "Prohibited Contributions during the Legislative Session."

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