Charles Harlow

Two legislative candidates found themselves in a frustrating predicament Friday morning.

Legislative candidates have the opportunity to sign the “2008 Maine Code of Fair Campaign Practices” with the Ethics Commission. Doing so is voluntary. Kenneth Capron of Portland and Kimberly McLaughlin of Yarmouth allege that their opponents signed the code and then violated it, and brought the case before the commission at their monthly meeting Friday.

After an hour-long discussion over jurisdiction, the commission members determined that they had no authority to enforce the code.

Ken Capron, a Portland Republican, said he is frustrated with the irresponsiveness of his state representatives, so he plans to challenge Rep. Charlie Harlow, D-Portland, in November.

Capron runs the Web site Watchdog Maine.  read more »