AUGUSTA – Maine’s campaign watchdog agency on Monday fined the state Democratic Party $5,000 for filing an expenditure report 20 days late with the state.

The Commission of Governmental Ethics and Election Practices voted to issue the fine, which stems from an independent issue flier sponsored by the party in a state Senate race in Androscoggin County.

The commission decided that because of the late filing, a Clean Election Act payment to the Republican candidate, Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello, was delayed. Snowe-Mello’s opponent is Democrat Deborah Simpson, who’s a state representative.

The ethics commission rejected a motion to add $1,000 to the fine.

Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Arden Manning said the case is based on technicality.