… The monstrosity of money in politics, the increasingly dark money in politics and now even foreign government money in politics have ballooned not just to a grotesque level, but also a level that literally threatens the American experiment that has defined our country since its formation.

While Maine voters cannot fix the whole problem, we can address this last issue: foreign government spending on Maine ballot questions.

Petitions are now circulating for a citizen initiative that would close the loopholes that leave our referendum system vulnerable to abuse from foreign governments looking to advance their agenda inside Maine. I encourage you to visit the Protect Maine Elections website, sign the petition and volunteer as you are able.

How ironic will it be if, or more likely when, foreign governments start spending money on a referendum to protect their right to spend money on a referendum? This is a practice that needs to stop, and the Protect Maine Elections initiative is how we can stop it.