"Free of corruption": How a Maine ballot initiative could help get dark money out of politics

The ultra-rich poured more money into the last presidential election than ever before. “We are entitled to a system that's not only free of corruption, but also a system that is free of the appearance of corruption,” Cara McCormick, leader of the group Citizens to End Super PACs in Maine that led the campaign, told Salon. Taking on big money is no easy task, but the people of Maine made their voices loud and clear.” Despite nearly three-quarters of voters approving Question 1, the initiative has been criticized by those who argue that political donations are a form of expression, including the Institute for Free Speech, an organization dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights through litigation and advocacy. In an op-ed for the Portland Herald Press, David Keating, president of the Institute for Free Speech, argued that Question 1 is "unconstitutional" and “counterproductive.” “By attempting to limit contributions to independent expenditure-only organizations, the proposed Maine measure directly and clearly contradicts our rights as Americans under the First Amendment,” he wrote. They argue that super PAC donations are “a vital feature of our democracy.” “All Americans, not just those running for office, have a fundamental First Amendment right to talk about political campaigns,” the federal lawsuit reads “Their ‘independent expenditures,’ payments that fund political expression by those who are not running for office but nonetheless have something to say about a campaign, are a vital feature of our democracy.” We need your help to stay independent Subscribe today to support Salon's progressive journalism The lawsuit names as defendants Maine's attorney general and the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, which is reviewing the complaint, the Associated Press reported.