State Senator Peter Mills of Somerset, the only Republican running for governor as a “clean” candidate, announced he has raised well over 90% of the start up funds necessary to compete in the Republican Primary in June, and collected over 1,600 donations to Clean Elections. With nearly 2,000 contributions from Maine residents, Mills’ support extends across all of Maine’s sixteen counties and equally represents the northern and southern districts.

The Clean Elections system compels candidates to reach out to thousands and thousands of Maine voters rather than out-of-state corporations to secure funding for their campaign. “Over 99% of our donations are from Mainers,” Mills said. “Too often candidates have sought to buy the Maine governorship and leave us beholden to special interests. Those who know me understand that if elected governor the only special interests who will influence me are the citizens of Maine.”

Over the last five months Mills and his team have been visiting homes, businesses, grange halls, service clubs and festivals to talk directly with Mainers.

“I’m not one to rely on unrealistic promises. I’m campaigning with the truth, no matter how difficult, and know that honest assessment is the means to build an accountable government that reports results directly to taxpayers. We’ve walked miles and miles through snow and ice, uphill both ways, to get that message across Maine.”