Political Conduct of Incumbent Judges and Judicial Candidates in General

(A) Except as permitted by law, or by the Rules of this Canon, a judge or a judicial candidate shall not (1) Act as a leader in, or hold an office in, a political organization; (2) Make speeches on behalf of a political organization; (3) Publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for any public office; (4) Attend political gatherings; Solicit funds for, pay an assessment to, or make a (5) contribution to a political organization or a candidate for public office; (6) Engage in any other political activity except as authorized under any other section of this Code or on behalf of measures to 30 improve the law, the legal system, or the administration of justice; or (7) Use court staff, facilities, or other court resources in a campaign for judicial office. A successful candidate, whether or not an (B) Applicability. incumbent, or an unsuccessful candidate who is an incumbent, is subject to judicial discipline for conduct in the course of seeking appointment or election that violates the Rules of this Canon. An unsuccessful candidate who is a lawyer is subject to lawyer discipline for any conduct in the course of seeking appointment or election that violates the Rules of this Canon. A lawyer who is a candidate for judicial office is subject to Maine Rule of Professional Conduct 8.2.