I ran for governor because I believe to bring about change, we need an honest and open dialogue about the difficult issues we face and a new approach to move Maine forward.
Although I had no involvement in the so-called “Cutler Files” website, I am disappointed by the actions of those involved in it. The anonymous nature of the website was not consistent with the way I ran my campaign.
Voters have a right to know the issues and experiences of candidates, but it is critical that those who put such information forward disclose their involvement. Accountability and personal responsibility are critical to our political process.
Let me be clear — as I have said from the beginning, there was no involvement by me or my campaign in the Cutler Files website – in any way, shape or form. The Maine Ethics Commission made no finding to the contrary after a very thorough investigation.
I found out about the website at the same time everybody else did, long after my campaign for governor ended with the primary election. I was not involved in my husband’s research.
When I first learned about the website, I confronted Thom and Dennis Bailey. Thom told me about his role in providing research for some of the content of the site. Dennis Bailey acknowledged that he created the website. I indicated that I was disappointed in their actions and thought they should take down the site. I did not want to be associated with an anonymous website.
I wish I had been able to talk about this sooner, but thought it best to allow the Maine Ethics Commission to do their work, including extensive interviewing of my husband, without impediment. I am pleased that he has been cleared by the commission and did not violate campaign laws. And while I disapprove of his involvement and make no excuses for his actions, I love my husband and I stand firmly beside him. That being said let me reiterate that campaigns should be about issues and ideas should be open and honest.
I look forward to assisting Maine’s small businesses and workers in resolving the many challenges that they face to rebuild our economy and put Mainers back to work.