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Sponsor says bill would level campaign finance limits for unenrolled candidates; committee to compare with prior legislature's measure
Summary
Representative Billy Bob Faulconyam presented LD 1229 to align contribution limits for unenrolled (independent) candidates with enrolled candidates when unenrolled candidates do not participate in primaries. Committee members noted a substantially similar bill (LD 390) had already moved through committee last session; analysts will compare texts.
Representative Billy Bob Faulconyam introduced LD 1229, a bill intended to eliminate differential campaign contribution limits that currently disadvantage unenrolled (independent) candidates when they are not on a primary ballot.
Faulconyam told the committee the intention was to ensure unenrolled candidates have the same contribution cap as enrolled (party) candidates so independents can compete in general elections without a funding disadvantage. He framed the proposal as consistent with Maine's tradition of independent‑minded candidates winning statewide office.
Committee members noted the topic had been the subject of recent work in the prior legislature. The analyst confirmed that a prior bill (LD 390) accomplished substantially the same outcome and was reported out by this committee last session; members asked the analyst to compare LD 1229 with LD 390 and the committee's adopted amendment before moving to a work session.
Maine Citizens for Clean Elections (MCCE) testified in favor of leveling the playing field but recommended an alternate approach used in public financing: provide unenrolled candidates with two distinct contribution periods (primary and general) so donors could contribute in each period and the same limit would apply. The committee did not vote; it requested the analysts prepare a comparison memo between LD 1229 and LD 390 for the work session.
