AUGUSTA -- The ethics commission voted 4-1 today to rule that although Rep. Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, faces a write-in opponent, the opponent has not spent enough money to entitle Crockett to additional public funding.

Crockett told the commission that she wanted to bring the issue forward to get a ruling so the law is clear for future candidates who may face a write-in opponent. She said even if the commission decided to give her additional money, she would not spend it.

"I do not need the extra money," she said. "I will not use the additional funds. I think this is a conversation we need to have."

Her write-in opponent, Jarody, an Augusta resident who goes by only one name, said he does not intend to spend more than $366 on his campaign.

The commission ruled that the amount does not reach the threshold of "substantial" campaign funds raised or spent by the write-in opponent. Commission member A. Mavourneen Thompson was the sole vote against the motion.