Maine residents recently voted in favor of a referendum aimed at restricting donations to political action committees (PACs) that independently spend in candidate elections. The referendum, which passed with overwhelming support, sets a $5,000 cap on individual contributions to super PACs. This move is expected to trigger a legal battle over the limits on individual donations to these influential political entities.
The initiative, the only campaign finance reform measure on the Election Day ballot nationwide, was designed to withstand legal challenges in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United, which allowed super PACs to spend unlimited amounts in elections. The measure does not seek to restrict independent spending on behalf of candidates but focuses on curbing individual donations to super PACs.
Advocates of the referendum argue that it is necessary to address the outsized influence of super PACs, particularly their use of undisclosed 'dark money.' By imposing limits on individual contributions to super PACs, the initiative aims to combat corruption and the perception of corruption in politics.
The law, which will come into effect this winter if not legally challenged, applies only to PACs spending on behalf of candidates, not those involved in referendums. Currently, Maine law restricts contributions to candidates, with maximum amounts set for gubernatorial and legislative candidates in general elections.
Support for the referendum came from a diverse range of political voices, with concerns raised about the potential for quid pro quo arrangements even when super PACs operate independently from candidates. Harvard Law School professor Lawrence Lessig, a prominent advocate for campaign finance reform, expressed optimism that the U.S. Supreme Court would uphold states' rights to limit contributions to PACs.
The referendum's passage reflects a strong public sentiment in Maine against the influence of big money in politics. Nearly 75% of voters supported the citizen initiative, signaling a significant push for campaign finance reform in the state.
