Presque Isle House race
attracting large sums
By Mark Putnam
Managing editor
A report issued just over one week prior to next Tuesday’s election, listed the District 5 House of Representatives race in Presque Isle as among the top 10 in Maine for money spent to influence the outcome.
According to the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices, $51,589 had been contributed toward the campaign for Presque Isle’s legislative seat, pitting Democrat Robert Saucier against incumbent Republican Michael Willette. In fact, just one House race — between Heather Sirocki and Jean-Marie Caterina for District 128 (part of Scarborough) — tracked higher on the report at $55,835.
The Oct. 29 summary entitled “2012 General Election – Independent Expenditures Top Ten House Races” shows Saucier supporters outspending Willette’s backers by more than a 3 to 1 margin — $38,628 to $12,962. Of the $38,628 spent on Saucier, $32,207 was allocated to oppose Willette. Willette supporters had spent $3,106 to defeat his Democratic opponent.
Listed as contributers to the Saucier House campaign are The Committee to Rebuild Maine’s Middle Class, Maine Democratic State Committee and Citizens Who Support Maine’s Public Schools. Willette’s chief financial backers are cited as the Maine Republican Party, House Republican Majority Fund and Still Fed Up with Taxes.
To view the complete report or to get updated information, go to www.maine.gov/ethics.
