Maine News Updates

 State ethics commission staff will soon begin an investigation into the fundraising practices of a group that contributed at least $1.6 million to defeat gay marriage in Maine.

 Jonathan Wayne, executive director of the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices told commission members today that he has outlined the scope of his investigation involving the National Organization for Marriage.

 Wayne has been directed by commission members to determine whether the group, which provided substantial money to Stand For Marriage Maine, “solicited or received contributions totaling more than $5,000” to promote the people’s veto of same-sex marriage.

 Earlier this month, voters rejected gay marriage by a 53-47 margin.

 In October, the group said it donated money from its general fund to the campaign and did not specifically raise money for the Maine effort.