Paul LePage on Government Reform

Investigate and report publicly on false campaign statements

The plan directs the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices to investigate campaign claims following a complaint by a candidate. The panel would have to make a public statement if the claim is deemed false.

Backers of the effort, which LePage's office says is the governor's "attempt to bring civility to the process," told lawmakers that having such a check in place will encourage candidates to make fewer false claims about their opponents.

"Should there be no restraint, no limit or no consequence for lying?" said one legislator. But the ACLU of Maine said the proposal violates the constitution, arguing that courts have found that even false statements deserve First Amendment protection.

LePage's office said it believes that the lack of penalties if a claim is deemed false would allow the proposal to stand up constitutionally.

Replaced same-day voter registration with photo ID rule