The Alliance for Maine's Future has spent $5,158 for mailers and newspaper ads opposing 19 candidates for the state legislature and supporting one.

The ad accuses the candidates of having poor economic records, hitting them for raising beverage taxes and voting for a tax shift. It urges people to vote against them.

Except in some races, people can't. Three of the candidates targeted are running unopposed - Reps. Emily Cain (D-Orono), Hannah Pingree (D-North Haven) and Richard Wagner (D-Lewiston).

"This is a longer play than just this election so we want to get voters' attention while they are reading, listening and voting," said Executive Director Tony Payne in an email. "We also want to ensure they are all associated with one another. One may be perceived as moderate but when viewed in the company of those who may be seen less favorably, there could be guilt by association - which, of course, there is."

The other candidates mentioned will get matching funds as a result of the ads, which ran in the Lewiston Sun Journal, the Bangor Daily News and the Portland Press Herald.

Included in the $5,158 is $1,522 in support of Rep. Don Marean (R-Hollis), who is in a tough race this year.