AUGUSTA (AP) – Questions about how a Maine campaign used taxpayers’ money in the last gubernatorial contest prompted the state’s election watchdog panel on Monday to call on the Legislature to consider more stringent disclosure laws.

The ethics commission’s 4-1 vote to suggest legislative action was prompted by questions about how money from Maine’s Clean Election Act was used in independent Barbara Merrill’s campaign last year. Merrill finished third on Election Day.

The candidate’s husband, Philip Merrill, appears to have been paid more than $109,000 to work on her campaign. He also filled roles disbursing money as campaign deputy treasurer while receiving money for media services to the campaign.

The Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices has determined that no laws were broken and no censure was in order. Members acknowledged that the matter has raised concerns.

The commissioner who opposed the panel’s vote for legislative action, A. Mavourneen Thompson, said she preferred recommending an outright prohibition of family members receiving public funding while working on relatives’ campaigns, saying disclosure “is too small a step.”

But other commissioners disagreed, saying that it’s not uncommon for people to assist in relatives’ political campaigns.

“I’m hesitant to vote in favor of a complete prohibition,” said Commission Chairman Michael Friedman, adding that he’s concerned that barring people from paid work on relatives’ campaigns is “perhaps even shortcutting the political process.”

“But on the other hand, appearance is very important, particularly when you’re dealing with public funds,” said Friedman. He added that any consideration of new legislation should include public input.

Consideration of any new law by the Legislature’s Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee would involve a public hearing and other opportunities for individuals and groups to comment.

On Monday, Alison Smith, co-chair of Maine Citizens for Clean Elections, said her group has taken the position that Clean Election campaigns should be allowed to pay for services provided by relatives, noting that many candidates hire family members to put up signs and handle a variety of other chores.

But Smith added that when payments for services to relatives exceed five figures, “it puts up a huge red flag.” The activist group supports additional disclosures when family members are hired, she said.

Maine’s Clean Election system allows qualified candidates who agree to forgo most private funds and limit spending to receive public funds for their campaigns. Nonparticipating candidates may raise and spend money without limitation. If a participating candidate is outspent by a candidate raising private funds, matching money becomes available.

A report by the ethics commission staff says funding at present levels will be insufficient for the 2010 elections, which will include a race for governor. That prompted action Monday by the commission that seeks to remedy the shortfall.

The panel voted unanimously to ask the Legislature to make up for more than $4.4 million the commission says has been deappropriated from the Clean Election fund, plus $1.4 million interest, for a total of $5.2 million.

“Potential candidates for governor need to know in 2008 whether this voter-approved program will be available to them in 2010,” the commission staff said. “Otherwise, they likely would not know whether public financing is a viable option until June 2009.”

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