UPDATE: Controversies surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner are escalating, igniting urgent discussions among Democrats about their path to reclaiming the House and Senate. As these revelations unfold, the future of Platner’s campaign is increasingly uncertain just days ahead of critical primaries.
At a recent town hall in Ogunquit, October 22, Platner, an oyster farmer and progressive candidate challenging Republican incumbent Susan Collins, vowed to continue his campaign amid mounting scrutiny. However, troubling social media posts dating back to 2009-2021 have surfaced, revealing Platner’s use of inflammatory language, including self-identifying as a “communist” and disparaging remarks towards rural Americans. Most alarmingly, a tattoo widely recognized as a Nazi symbol has raised significant concerns.
In a candid Zoom call with supporters, Platner expressed remorse, stating, “I’m sorry that people had to read things that I wrote on the internet from a point in my life where I was in a dark place.” He explained that he received the skull and crossbones tattoo during a leave in Croatia and was unaware of its connotations at the time. Recently, he has taken steps to cover it up.
The backlash has prompted a fierce debate within the Democratic Party. Veteran strategist Bill Curry commented, “Democrats have a long history of rushing to the altar with candidates they should probably just be dating,” referencing past disappointments with candidates like John Fetterman and Beto O’Rourke.
Despite the controversies, Platner’s campaign claims to maintain strong grassroots support, with over 700 attendees reported at a recent event in Damariscotta. His spokesperson emphasized, “We continue to see massive support from people in Maine.”
However, rival candidate and current Maine Governor Janet Mills has seized the opportunity to distance herself from Platner, labeling his tattoo as “abhorrent.” Mills, a moderate two-term governor, remains a formidable presence in the race, with many Democrats arguing that established candidates like her have a proven record of winning.
Supporters of Platner, including Valli Geiger, a Democratic state representative, defend him as a voice for the working class. Geiger stated, “He is the only guy who has electrified Maine voters,” advocating for his ability to resonate with those struggling economically.
As the Maine Senate race intensifies, the Democratic Party faces critical decisions about the direction of their candidates. With the potential to flip a Republican seat blue, the stakes are high.
Next Steps: Watch for upcoming debates and primary results that will further define Platner’s candidacy and the Democratic strategy moving forward. The situation is evolving rapidly, and the implications for both local and national politics are significant. This developing story is essential for anyone interested in the future of Maine’s political landscape.
