#MESen: Maine GOP Files FEC Complaint Alleging Illegal Coordination Between Angus King & Outside Group

Maine GOP Seeks Federal Investigation Into Illegal Coordination Between Angus King & “Non-Profit” Outside Organization Running Campaign Ads On His Behalf

FEC Complaint Outlines Multiple Violations Of Federal Campaign Law

In the wake of news that a purported “non-partisan” organization funded by wealthy out-of-state friends of Angus King and run, in part, by King’s own statewide campaign chairman, is airing a $500,000 ad campaign on Maine television stations in direct support of King’s Senate candidacy, the Maine Republican Party announced today that it has filed an extensive formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission.

“From breaking his promise to ‘never’ run a negative campaign to flip-flopping and accepting special interest PAC money from Washington to now welcoming the same outside groups that he once condemned, it’s clear that Angus King and his wealthy friends are getting desperate.  But abandoned principles and sinking poll numbers are no excuse for violating the law which is what Mr. King and his out-of-state supporters appear to have done here,” State Republican Party Chairman Charlie Webster said today.

The Maine GOP is seeking an immediate FEC investigation into what appear to be several clear violations of federal election law, including illegal coordinated communications with the King campaign and the outside organization, Americans Elect.  Even as of this afternoon, Americans Elect’s website listed King’s statewide chairman Eliot Cutler as a member of their board of directors.

Further, when Americans Elect sought non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service in April 2010, the organization explicitly stated under oath that, “Americans Elect does not and will not support or oppose any candidate or candidate committee.”  And since that time, Americans Elect does not appear to have ever registered as a political committee as is required under federal law for any group that spends over $1,000 “for the purpose of influencing election for federal office.”

“It’s one thing for Angus King to continually put his personal political interests ahead of voters in Maine, but it’s another matter when those actions violate the law and we look forward to a thorough investigation by the FEC into these illegal campaign ads,” Webster concluded.

Here’s a copy of the FEC complaint:
FEC Complaint

A copy of the supporting exhibit:
Exhibit