AUGUSTA, MAINE - Rep. Kyle Bailey, D-Gorham, has introduced bipartisan legislation to ban foreign campaign contributions in Maine elections.
Currently, it is legal in Maine for foreign governments, corporations and billionaires to spend unlimited sums of money in support of, or in opposition to, state and local referenda. LD 479 would prohibit foreign spending to produce and disseminate communications about state and local ballot referenda.
"Maine is not for sale," said Bailey. "Foreign governments, corporations and billionaires should not be allowed to interfere in our elections. LD 479 will close this loophole in Maine's election law."
"The integrity of Maine values relies on the integrity of our elections, and I am pleased to support this ban on foreign political interference," said Carlow.
The proposed legislation would also require that:
- Broadcasters and internet platforms establish appropriate procedures to ensure that foreigners do not make prohibited purchases of campaign advertising; and
- Foreign nationals or corporations paying for issue ads that attempt to influence state or local government policy must include a statement in ads that identifies themselves and discloses their communications as sponsored by a foreign person or entity.
Although federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from spending money to influence federal, state or local elections, the law has not been updated since the Supreme Court in Citizens United opened the door to unlimited campaign spending by corporations. LD 479 would fill this gap by ensuring that corporations with significant foreign ownership or control would be treated the same way as foreign individuals, who are already subject to the ban on foreign campaign spending.
Co-sponsors of LD 479 include lead sponsor Sen. David Miramant, D-Knox, as well as co-sponsors Rep. Nathan Carlow, R-Buxton, Rep. Patrick Corey, R-Windham, Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, Rep. Barb Wood, D-Portland, and Rep. Jeff Evangelos, I-Friendship.
Bailey is serving his first term in the Maine House. He owns a project management business and is a member of Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business. Rep. Bailey can be reached via cell phone at (207) 939-8600 (please consider sending a text message rather than leaving a voicemail) or email.
Contact:
Katie Walsh [Bailey], 776-2122; John Bott [Carlow], 287-1440, John.Bott@legislature.maine.gov