Maine has long been a leader in the Clean Elections effort and its legislature in its recently completed session made several changes to its Clean Election Act, according to a release from progressive group Maine Citizens for Clean Elections.  There is now language in a supplemental budget that would restore funds to the Clean Election Fund for the 2010 election. Previously, these funds had technically been borrowed from other programs.  Meanwhile, there was a one-time 5 percent cut in the amount that will be distributed for the general election for legislative candidates.  Requirements for matching funds for gubernatorial candidates was made tougher, with these candidates now needing 3,250 qualifying contributions to receive matching funds, up from 2,500 today. Candidates can collect qualifying contributions over the Internet.  There was a ban placed on using Clean Elections funds to pay the household members of candidates, with one narrow exception. Family members can still be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses.  The legislature gave the state’s Ethics Commission greater authority to identify non-viable candidates.