AUGUSTA (AP) – Patrick Colwell announced his resignation as chairman of the Maine Democratic Party days after its executive committee discussed the party’s $10,000 contribution to a Rhode Island political campaign, a party official said Monday.

The party’s ruling committee also put forward rules to prevent similar out-of-state contributions in the future, but it did not take direct action to remove Colwell, said Stanley Gerzofsky, a party executive committee member and state representative.

Asked if the contributions led to Colwell’s planned departure, Gerzofsky said, “This might have helped things along.” Colwell plans to step down next month.

Party spokesman Arden Manning drew no connection between Colwell’s resignation, which was announced at a state committee meeting Sunday, and the contribution to the Rhode Island U.S. Senate campaign.

Colwell’s cell phone number was not in service Monday, but he said through a party press release that he wanted to “pursue other opportunities in the private sector” and wanted to spend more time at home.

“This is the best decision for me personally, the best decision for the party and the best decision for the issues that are important to Maine Democrats,” said Colwell.

Colwell’s announcement came as election year campaigns are beginning to heat up with Democratic Gov. John Baldacci seeking a second term, a U.S. Senate seat in contention and Democrats trying to maintain control in the Legislature.

It also came after questions were raised about $25,000 donated to Brown’s Senate campaign – $10,000 each from the Massachusetts and Maine parties and $5,000 from the Hawaii Democratic Party. The parties sent the money after they were contacted in December by Brown’s field director, Rich Pelletier, a former executive director of the Maine Democratic Party.

Brown faces Sheldon Whitehouse in the Democratic primary for the seat held by Republican Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who is running against Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey.

Days after the parties sent money to Brown, a member of Brown’s campaign committee gave a total of $17,000 to the Maine, Massachusetts and Hawaii parties, prompting questions about whether the intention was to avoid campaign finance laws.

Brown’s campaign has said the funding scheme was not a way to circumvent campaign finance laws. Brown has said he would return the money to the state parties, and party officials in Massachusetts and Maine denied wrongdoing. Colwell said the Maine party’s only mistake was “getting involved in the vicious politics of Rhode Island.”

Gerzofsky, of Brunswick, does not believe any laws have been violated but said the transaction “smells.” He said rules were being put in place by the Maine Democratic Party to prevent similar financial actions in the future.

“If you donate to the Maine Democratic Party, you should expect your money will be spent here,” said Gerzofsky.

Gerzofsky said Colwell raised the issue at last Wednesday’s executive committee meeting and said he believed Colwell planned to step down after the June primaries. He praised Colwell for his service to the party, a sentiment that was also expressed by several members during Sunday’s committee meeting.

“It was a very sad day,” said Patsy Crockett of Augusta, the party’s assistant treasurer. “I think he has done a fantastic job. He certainly has had his share of accomplishments.”

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