Congressional candidates in a hotly contested Maine race snipped at each individual other on Tuesday about a contribution from the leader of a conservation team that has discouraged buyers from buying lobster.

Democratic Rep. Jared Golden is defending his seat in Maine's 2nd Congressional District towards Republican former Rep. Bruce Poliquin and independent applicant Tiffany Bond. Poliquin's campaign on Tuesday known as on Golden to return a contribution of $667 from Julie Packard, the govt director of Seafood Watch.

Seafood Watch, which is dependent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California that Packard aided discovered, included American and Canadian lobster to its "purple listing" of seafood species to prevent this summer season since of the possibility fishing equipment poses to endangered whales. Poliquin's camp mentioned that listing has brought on economic hardship for fishermen in Maine, wherever most of the U.S.'s domestic lobster comes to the docks.

FEDERAL Judge Guidelines Against MAINE LOBSTER FISHERMAN Seeking TO OVERTURN WHALE PROTECTIONS

"Seafood Watch’s warning to buyers to stay away from Maine lobster, on top of forty-12 months large inflation and gasoline charges have gouged Maine lobstermen’s paychecks," reported Roy Matthews, a Poliquin spokesperson.

Golden's campaign responded that the congressman has no intention to return the cash. The campaign cited Golden's opposition to new Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration whale safety restrictions as proof that he has the fishing industry's pursuits at heart.

Conservation team Seafood Observe, who is actively doing the job to clear away Maine Lobster from grocery retail outlet cabinets, started political turmoil in Maine following donating to impartial prospect Tiffany Bond. Pictured: Rep. Bruce Poliquin in 2017 (still left), and Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in 2018 (correct) in Maine. (WHD Images/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

"Lobstermen know Jared has led the struggle from the outrageous NOAA proper whale regulations, and has been the staunchest defender of the fishery in Congress," said Bobby Reynolds, a Golden spokesperson.

The race has been an high priced 1, with Golden racking up additional than $3.3 million in contributions by means of June 30, and Poliquin trailing at $2.5 million. Both equally candidates have positioned by themselves as allies of traditional industries these as lobstering in the vast, generally rural district. The 2nd District is the a lot more politically combined of the state's two districts, as the 1st District is centered all over liberal Portland and is more reliably Democratic.

The race was scheduled for its sole debate featuring all three candidates on Tuesday night. The exact same 3 candidates ran for the same seat in 2018, and Golden gained through rated-selection voting.

MAINE LOBSTERMEN, THEIR LIVELIHOODS THREATENED, Thrust Back again In opposition to CALIFORNIA AQUARIUM'S 'RED LISTING'

Bond, who came in 3rd in that race, did not react to a ask for for comment. Packard also did not answer to a request for comment.