Mitchell Clears First Clean Elections Hurdle
January 19, 2010
Grassroots campaign generates support across 16 Maine counties
AUGUSTA – Senate President Libby Mitchell (D-Kennebec), Candidate for Governor, has met the first of two requirements candidates must meet to qualify for Clean Elections funding. Clean Elections candidates must raise a minimum of $40,000 in seed money from Maine voters in order to qualify, in increments of $100 or less. As of the December 31st quarterly deadline, she had raised over $57,000 from Mainers.
The Mitchell Campaign raised approximately $70,000 from over 900 individual donors. More than 750 of those donors are Mainers. The average contribution size was $76. The campaign received contributions from donors in each of Maine’s 16 counties.
“I am proud to be a Clean Elections candidate and to draw my support primarily from Maine donors,” said Mitchell. “Raising money for Clean Elections is like filling a bathtub with a teaspoon – we do it one voter at a time.”
Mitchell continued, “Running Clean means that only individuals are allowed to donate to me. No corporations, PACs, or other organizations may give. This keeps my campaign free of the influence of big money and enables me to spend the bulk of my time talking to voters.”
Under the Maine Clean Elections Act, once Mitchell qualifies, she will receive a disbursement of $400,000 and is eligible for up to $200,000 in matching funds. She is allowed to raise a maximum of $200,000 in seed money to fund her initial campaign operation.
The Mitchell Campaign was pleased with their results to date.
Early polling indicates that Mitchell holds an early lead amongst primary voters (Kiley & Co.), maintaining a higher level of name recognition than her opponents. She also polled the strongest against potential Republican opponents of all Democrats in the field (Research 2000, Public Policy Polling).
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