LaMarche Submits Qualifying Checks

Augusta, Maine — Candidate for Governor Patricia LaMarche today handed in more than 2500 qualifying checks to the Maine State Ethics Commission. The checks, accompanied by thousands of corresponding signatures, qualify the LaMarche campaign for Clean Election funds.

"This is an important milestone in any campaign," said LaMarche, "it shows the people of Maine are not only willing to sign petitions to support my candidacy, but they are willing to donate their hard earned money."

Each candidate running under Maine's landmark Clean Elections Law is required to submit a prerequisite number of $5.00 checks to illustrate they have popular support. For Governor, the number of checks is 2500. LaMarche will cross that threshold at 11:30am today. Her campaign notified the Maine State Ethics Commission that they would be submitting additional checks through Tuesday, the deadline for submissions.

In thanking her volunteers and campaign workers today, LaMarche said, "there are literally hundreds of people who worked for the past several months, first to circulate nominating petitions, then to secure the needed checks so I can run as a clean candidate. Those volunteers gave their fellow Mainers a sensible and respectful choice for Governor this year. Those people have already made a difference in Maine this year. And that difference is just the beginning."

LaMarche also acknowledged the work of local officials, "There are unsung heroes in every race for public office, the many town clerks and election officials who must certify tens of thousands of signatures every election cycle. My hat is off to these fine public servants for the spectacular job they do."

LaMarche supporters are justifiably overjoyed at the progress and momentum of the campaign. "While getting these signatures and checks for us little guys is both daunting and intimidating, it is also invigorating," said Doug Emerson. "While we were out there meeting people and talking to our neighbors — we are making our communities stronger, giving our communities a voice. I am proud to have been a part of this clean elections task. Getting five bucks from thousands of people from all over the state, unified in their support, is what campaigning ought to be about."

"Today we continue our work on a much larger scale. Today we take the grit and grizzle of our campaign, a campaign that worked so hard to secure ballot access and clean funding, and we set it on the public stage. Thanks to the forward-looking voters of Maine, who passed by overwhelming margin the clean elections law by referendum, thereby giving us all the ability to vote for clean candidates," said LaMarche in rallying her campaign troops to begin the election work. "It is time for a new voice in Augusta that represents the interests of Maine's citizens and small businesses. It is time for a new voice in Augusta that reflects the values of Maine's independent nature. It is time for a new voice in Augusta that sounds the call for an end to politics as usual and heralds the future. Maybe you will recognize that voice. It is the voice of the people. It is my honor to use this campaign to amplify that voice!"