Independent expenditure reports - follow the money

The best way to see which races are the most competitive, are through the Independent Expenditure reports provided to the Maine Ethics Commission.  These "I.E. reports" are a compilation of money spent by a PAC, a Party Committee or some other entity to influence an election. 

So far all of the action has been on the Senate side with the democrats making expenditures in five Senate districts.  In the first report, the Senate democrats spent $2600 dollars on phone calls to a California company for Robert Stackpole in District 3, Deb Simpson in District 15, Dave Miramant in District 22 and Seth Goodall in District 19.  Opponents in each of those races will receive matching funds ranging from $402 to $926 dollars.

The second report was filed by the Maine Democratic State Committee for expenditures to a Louisiana company for $4690 dollars. That expenditure was for a mailing on behalf of Senator Peter Bowman.  Mary Andrews, the Republican candidate will receive matching funds for the full amount.

NOTE:  At the Commission hearing on Monday, September 29, Jonathan Wayne, noted that the State Committee was late in the filing the Independent Expenditure Report for Senator Bowman. According to Mr. Wayne, the State Committee will be fined $300 dollars and the item will appear on the next agenda for further discussion.  

Once October rolls around, you can expect a dramatic increase in the number of filings, with hourly updates the week leading up to Election Day.