PAC Reform

MCCE’s PAC reform position calls for:

A contribution limit of $1,000 per two-year election cycle 

Maine is the only state in New England with no limits on PAC contributions. A limit of $1,000 would allow more than 92% of current PAC donors to give the same amount they currently give, but would dramatically decrease the size of the largest donations.   

An aggregate limit of $10,000 per two-year election cycle

To limit the influence of any one large donor and to prevent the proliferation of PACs that might result with contribution limits alone, an aggregate limit of how much one person can donate to all PACs is vitally important. This is a common practice, including in Arizona which has a Clean Election system similar to Maine’s.  Courts have recognized the value of an aggregate limit in combating the evasion of contribution limits.

Applying limits to PACs as well as individual contributors

PAC to PAC transfers would fall under the same rules as contributions from citizens. While donations from one PAC to another are legitimate, they make disclosure less meaningful.  Too often these transfers become a “shell game” that makes it difficult for the public and the press to follow who actually funds political activities.  Applying the limit to PACs also strengthens the anti-evasion aspect of the reforms.

Prohibiting corporate contributions to PACs

Many states and the federal government prohibit corporations from contributing to PACs, and these bans are not controversial in the courts. Corporations, with the regulatory assistance of government, amass significant wealth, and courts recognize the importance of keeping that wealth from exerting undue influence over lawmakers.  Corporate officers and others could still exercise their rights to speech and assembly by creating their own PACs, but they would not be able to use corporate treasury funds.  Individual donors would be subject to limits, and their donations would be disclosed.

Exemption from limits for ballot initiative PACs

MCCE does not propose any limits to PACs that only engage in issue campaigns and that do not make expenditures in candidate races.  MCCE knows of no constitutional rationale for limiting donations to initiative campaigns.  In order to make progress on PAC reform, the two types of PACs should be considered separately.