Maine GOP chair accuses Jackson campaign of ‘hypocrisy’ over billionaire money

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) -Maine GOP Chair Jim Deyermond said at a press conference in Augusta that Troy Jackson claims he does not take money from billionaires or corporate PACs.

Deyermond cited Federal Election Commission records and publications, including Forbes and the conservative Free Beacon, to say Jackson’s campaign has received support from billionaires.

He also said the campaign has coordinated advertising with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which receives billionaire contributions.

“We’re talking about the hypocrisy of saying he doesn’t get them, when everyone knows he does. And it’s public record. It’s not like you can hide it. It’s public record. And he keeps stating that he’s not. That’s the problem we have,” Deyermond said.

Campaign responds

Jackson’s campaign was asked for comment. Campaign spokesperson Ella McFarlane responded with a statement:

“Nearly 200,000 people have donated to Troy’s campaign, with 95% of contributions under $100, support from Mainers in all 16 counties, and no corporate PACs – unlike Susan Collins who is heavily funded by corporate PACs and wealthy special interests whose bidding she does in Washington. While Susan Collins remains at the center of a pay-for-play scandal where she steered taxpayer dollars to campaign donors, Troy has always been clear that billionaires need to pay their fair share and he’ll always put working people first.”