Opposing camps in
Maine raise money for possible gay rights referendum

Supporters and opponents of a new Maine law outlawing discrimination against gays and lesbians have raised more than $200,000 between them in preparation for an anticipated referendum in November on whether to repeal the law. Backers of the repeal effort have thus far raised more money, but supporters of the law have more cash on hand. The Christian Civic League of Maine and the Maine Grassroots Coalition have raised $117,826 through political action committees, and all but $3,800 has already been spent. Maine Won't Discriminate and Equality Maine reported $83,071 in combined contributions and still have more than $32,000 in the bank. Jesse Connolly of Maine Won't Discriminate said his camp hopes to amass "millions" of dollars for the campaign; Michael Heath of the Christian Civic League has said his side probably will spend less than $500,000. Opponents of the gay rights law have mounted a "people's veto" campaign that would send the measure to referendum. Heath's group said it collected more than enough signatures to force the vote, but the state has yet to certify the petitions. Douglas Sukeforth of China, Maine, was the biggest contributor to the repeal supporters, giving a total of $47,000 to the two PACs. Sukeforth, the former owner of Mid-State Machine Products in Winslow, said he believes upholding the gay rights law would pave the way for legalizing same-sex marriage, which he opposes. Supporters of the law insist there is no link between gay rights and marriage rights. The biggest contributor to the Maine Won't Discriminate PAC was the Human Rights Campaign of Washington, D.C., which donated $22,250. Other large givers included Karen Stray-Gunderson of South Portland, Lyndell Wishcamper of Freeport, and Jane Begert of Cape Elizabeth, each of whom gave $5,000. (AP)