How Maine candidates can raise gobs of money before running for office

Bushes Flock To Favorite Maine Hideaway To Raise Money For A Possible Governor’s Race

Two big-name Bushes are coming to the aid of their cousin, who’s toying with seeking Maine’s GOP gubernatorial nomination. Former president George W. Bush and his brother, ex-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, held a fundraiser this week in Kennebunkport for Jonathan Bush, their cousin who is exploring a run for Maine governor next year. Pundits are [...] The post Bushes Flock To Favorite Maine Hideaway To Raise Money For A Possible Governor’s Race appeared…

How Maine candidates can raise gobs of money before running for office

Jonathan Bush is using one as a Republican. Hannah Pingree also used one to give herself a big jump on the rest of the Democratic gubernatorial field. Exploratory committees are an early trend in the 2026 race to succeed Gov. Janet Mills. They allow potential candidates to raise and spend unlimited sums of money that they do not have to disclose unless they officially launch a campaign. Their effectiveness has been on display in a still-growing …