The Jan. 16 report “Trump donor, dark money largely funding Maine referendum drives” provides an excellent example of why we must rein in political spending: dark money is funding two Maine referendum questions. How I feel personally about the proposed ballot questions — which concern marijuana sales and transgender youth in sports — is not the point. What is important is that outside big money interests are influencing elections in our state. 

Several Supreme Court decisions, beginning in the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, have resulted in elections being dominated by donors with enormous amounts of money. Before Buckley, the states and Congress regulated campaign finance, not the courts. Maine voices are drowned out by people using their wealth to drive their agenda in our state. Is this what Maine voters want?  Outside interests bringing their ideological issues to our elections? I do not want that. 

I support a solution that has support from the 82% of voters who agree that money is a threat to our elections. That solution is a constitutional amendment allowing states and Congress to reasonably limit political spending. Twenty-three states already have signaled they are ready to ratify such an amendment. Sen. King and Reps. Golden and Pingree have co-sponsored resolutions put forth for an amendment. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Buckley v. Valeo. Maine voters should learn more about this vital issue and let our congressional delegation know they support an amendment to rid us of excessive, unfair campaign spending. 

Bonnie Sammons
Belgrade