Maine's 127th Legislature

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State releases preliminary findings in lottery review

Lawmakers from both parties question preliminary findings that show no evidence the state specifically targeted particular segments of the population in its marketing.

ByDave Sherwood

November 17, 2016

Rail cars carrying oil travel across tracks.

State to reconsider hiding oil train data

The state committee charged with promoting transparency in government is asking lawmakers to overhaul a 2015 law that made secret information about the transportation of crude oil and other hazardous materials by railroad through Maine.…

ByDave Sherwood

August 17, 2016

Portland primary election challenges lead to proposed changes in campaign law

The complaints — two against Russell and one against primary winner Rep. Ben Chipman — may end up having a broader effect on Maine campaign-finance law and how elections are run.

ByNaomi Schalit

July 20, 2016

Rep. Diane Russell speaks during a legislative session

Complaint alleges Rep. Russell’s PAC was “money mill” for her

Portland resident files complaint alleging PAC controlled by Diane Russell, a candidate for the state senate and a current member of the House, may have made fraudulent campaign finance filings.

ByNaomi Schalit

June 6, 2016

Exterior of the Maine State House during the winter with trees missing all their leaves.

Portland legislator paid self from leadership PAC founded to support other candidates

Unlike other so-called leadership PACs, where most of the money raised goes to support fellow party members’ electoral ambitions, Rep. Diane Russell's PAC gave only $1,550 to Democratic candidates or organizations.

ByNaomi Schalit

March 9, 2016