Maine GOP Candidate Cleared of 'Under the Table' Pay Complaint

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The Maine Ethics Commission voted not to further investigate a Republican gubernatorial candidate, Sen. Jim Libby, over a staffer's offer to pay someone 'under the table' to collect campaign contributions. The commission also cleared the Maine Democratic Party in a separate complaint over whether it qualified as a ballot question committee when opposing last year's referendum to create voter ID requirements and new absentee voting restrictions.

Why it matters

These cases highlight the ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance and ethics rules in Maine's high-profile gubernatorial race. The decisions by the bipartisan ethics commission could impact the trajectory of the GOP primary and the broader debate over voting laws in the state.

The details

In the case against Libby, a rival GOP candidate provided audio of a phone call in which Libby's campaign manager offered to pay someone 'under the table' to collect campaign contributions. Libby expressed disappointment and said the staffer took responsibility, with no evidence the offer was accepted. The commission ultimately agreed the lack of evidence of money changing hands meant there was nothing to investigate further. In the separate case, the commission found the Maine Democratic Party did not qualify as a ballot question committee when opposing the voter ID referendum, but will review whether the party adequately filed its campaign finance reports.

• On February 25, 2026, the Maine Ethics Commission voted on the two cases.
• In August 2020, Libby spoke at a 'Let Us Play' rally in Augusta, Maine.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Maine Ethics Commission noted it could later review Libby's qualifying contribution submissions once they arrive, and will continue investigating whether the Maine Democratic Party adequately filed all of its campaign finance reports related to the voter ID referendum.