Power Play in Maine: Secretary of State Shenna Bellows Engages Controversial Lawyer Marc Elias as Gubernatorial Campaign Heats Up

Washington, D.C. — Prominent election attorney Marc Elias recently triggered a wave of speculation in political circles when he shared a story highlighting Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows’ dismissive response to the U.S. Department of Justice. The Justice Department had sought access to Maine’s voter registration data, and Bellows reportedly told officials to “go jump in the Gulf of Maine.” However, what drew less attention was that Bellows’ gubernatorial campaign has enlisted Elias’s services, paying his law firm at least $8,000, according to recent campaign finance disclosures. Interest in Bellows’ decision to hire Elias … Read more

Federal Judge Dismisses Former Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate’s Lawsuit, Citing Lack of Concrete Injury

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A federal lawsuit brought by Scott Jensen, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota, was dismissed by a federal judge. Jensen had accused the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice of politically motivated investigations tied to his statements about COVID-19. The court decided on March 31 to dismiss the case without prejudice, meaning Jensen retains the option to refile. Jensen, a family physician who lost the 2022 governor race to Democrat Tim Walz, originally filed the lawsuit in June 2023. He claimed that his First Amendment rights to free speech were infringed … Read more