Republican state senator fined for campaign violations won’t seek re-election

AUGUSTA — A state senator who resigned his leadership post after being fined for violating campaign finance laws now says he’s decided against seeking re-election.

Republican Sen. Andre Cushing of Newport said Thursday he appreciates the experience and friendships but says it’s time to “refocus on family and personal matters.”

He stepped down from his duties as assistant majority leader last fall.

The Maine Ethics Commission last summer imposed a $1,500 fine for late reporting of campaign contributions and a $7,500 fine for violations by his leadership PAC, Respect Maine.

Cushing was accused of failing to report short-term loans from his PAC to a family business. But the commission staff found that his actions did not give Cushing or others an unfair political advantage.

Also on Thursday State Rep. Stacey Guerin, R-Glenburn, announced she would seek election to Cushing’s state Senate District 10 seat. Guerin, who has served four consecutive terms in the Maine House of Representatives, is prohibited by term limits from seeking another term in the lower body.

Guerin serves as the lead House Republican on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, and she also sits on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.