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Monday June 11, 2012 | 05:36 PM

We have another update on last minute spending by Political Action Committees in the legislative primaries that kick off tomorrow.

As I reported in the newspaperlast week, PACs connected to racino developer Ocean Properties and the state and national real estate agents' associations took out ads in the Democrats' Biddeford-Saco state senate primary. The independent contributions in support of Rep. Don Pilon's candidacy had totalled over $15,000, dwarfing the combined war chests of Pilon and his Democratic rival, Rep. Linda Valentino.

In the past few hours, the Maine Realtors' Association PAC filed paperwork with the state ethics commission indicating they have upped their commitment to Pilon, contributing an additional $3371 on his behalf. The expenditure appeared to be funding a last minute mailing.

Earlier today we reported here on contributions to the Tea Party favorite in the GOP state senate primary for the Washington County seat currently occupied by senate presdient Kevin Raye, who is running for U.S. Congress. The same PAC has made another pair of last-minute expenditiures: $790 in support of Kathleen Caso of Calais and $320 in opposition to her GOP rival, Rep. David Burns of Whiting.

 

 

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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