Maine Legislature Passes Bill Eliminating State Income Tax Check-off for Political Parties

Posted on by May 17, 2012
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On May 16, the Maine legislature passed LD 1826, which eliminates the portion of the state income tax form that lets taxpapers send a small contribution to the political party of the taxpayers’ choice. The bill has been sent to the Governor.

This is bad news for the Green Party, which in the recent past has received approximately half its budget from the income tax receipts. In some years during the past decade, the Green Party has received more money from the fund than the Republican Party has.

Also on May 16, the legislature passed LD 1882, which provides for a study of whether Maine should re-enact provision for a presidential primary, and if so, when it should be held. If Maine brings back its presidential primary, it is likely that the state will try to have it very early in the year.

Federal Election Commission Gives Little Relief to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

Posted on by May 17, 2012
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On May 15, the Federal Election Commission finally ruled on the extent to which a candidate for federal office may receive additional contributions from contributors who had already given the maximum, when the candidate’s campaign treasurer embezzles the money from the original contribution. The FEC ruled that if a contribution was deposited into any bank account controlled by the treasurer, that money cannot be replaced with a new contribution.

The ruling had been requested by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, back in January. The only relief the FEC gave her is that if the original contribution was never deposited into any bank account connected with the campaign treasurer, then that contribution is deemed never to have existed, and the campaign can seek a new contribution.