John,
On Tuesday, the Bangor Daily News published an article about 501(c)(4) non-profits engaging in Maine's 2020 Senate race, nine months before the primary and well over a year before the general.
Because these organizations operate as non-profits, they don't have to disclose their donors and aren't allowed to coordinate with candidates or parties. Nevertheless, these groups are going to have a huge impact on the race.
Let me be clear: I'm disgusted by money in politics. That's why our campaign is not taking a dime from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists. This isn't just a campaign slogan for me, either — I've never taken their money and I never will.
We already know this going to be the most expensive race in Maine's history, with some predicting $100 million spent. That's obscene — imagine what we could do with millions of dollars flooding into our school systems, health facilities, elder care, our environment, or our immigrant communities.
Our campaign is laser-focused on the issues that matter most to Mainers — not the wealthy, and not out-of-state special interests. But there's only two ways to ensure that:
- We fund this race ourselves; and
- We organize.
Can your chip in to our people-powered campaign?
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As your Senator, I'll fight like hell to get money out of politics. When we connect the dots and see oil industry executives and lobbyists donating to our politicians, we realize why the establishment scoffs at the Green New Deal. When we see the pharmaceutical and insurance industry donating to candidates, we see why those in power wring their hands about not being able to afford Medicare for All. And do I even have to mention the outside influence the NRA has on the gun control discussion?
Maine deserves a Senator on the side of its people. With your help, I will be that senator — and we'll stand up to the federal lobbyists, corporate PACs, and dark-money groups to achieve real change.
I'm on your side. Always.
Betsy Sweet
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