John Rupert — October 29, 2026

Political campaigns are supposed to be built on a foundation of honest voter engagement. Instead, outside super PACs are treating Maine voters as disposable props.

A Scarborough local and laundromat owner, Kelly Kusnirak, recently came forward exposing how a political videographer approached her business under the guise of filming for a Susan Collins campaign video. Months later, her image and words were sliced, diced, and redeployed in a digital and streaming ad for Democratic candidate Troy Jackson, funded by the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy (CFFE PAC).

The Anatomy of a Political Setup:

• The Pitch vs. The Product: Kusnirak agreed to speak on camera about Maine’s economic struggles; high rents, soaring costs, and stagnant wages; believing she was supporting Collins. Instead, her economic critique was reframed by a progressive PAC to attack Collins and boost Jackson.
• Dark Money & Out-of-State Backing: CFFE PAC is heavily funded by major national progressive networks, including Melinda Gates’ Pivotal Ventures, Arabella Advisors funds, and George Soros-linked networks, pumping millions into boosting Jackson.
• The Local Fallout: When everyday citizens are tricked into starring in political hit pieces by operatives hiding behind shell PACs, it destroys whatever trust is left in institutional electioneering.

If political operatives have to lie to local business owners just to get footage for their ads, their message is already bankrupt. Strange Maine will continue tracking how outside money and deceptive media tactics manipulate local Maine communities.

Public accountability starts with exposing the operatives.

We are not out of order. We are the NEW order.