§1019-B.__Reports of independent electioneering expenditures

1.__Independent electioneering expenditures; definition.__ For the purposes of this section, "independent electioneering expenditure" means any expenditure made by a person, party committee, political committee or political action committee, other than by contribution to a candidate or a candidate's authorized political committee, aggregating in excess of $100 during any one candidate's election for any communication that:

A.__Expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; or

B.__In races involving a candidate who is certified as a Maine Clean Election Act candidate under section 1125, subsection 5, names or depicts a clearly identified candidate during the 45 calendar days before a primary election or the 60 calendar days before a general election for the purpose of promoting the election or defeat of that candidate.

2.__Presumption.__A communication made under subsection 1, paragraph B is presumed to be for the purpose of promoting the election or defeat of a candidate if it:

A.__Is made by a political party, political committee or political action committee, or by a person acting in cooperation, consultation or concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, a political party, political committee or political action committee; or

B.__Makes reference to an upcoming election and is targeted to the clearly identified candidate's district.

3.__Exceptions.__A communication is not an independent electioneering expenditure under subsection 1, paragraph B if all references to candidates are limited to:

A.__Urging contact with an elected official concerning pending government business; or

B.__Promotion of a business or commercial interest of the candidate that is unrelated to the candidacy and in which the candidate has held an interest for a minimum of 6 months before qualifying as a candidate.

4.__Report required; content; rules.__A person, party committee, political committee or political action committee that