Democratic unease about Graham Platner has increased as the Maine Senate primary approaches. Party politicians, officials, and strategists are debating how to handle recent reports about Platner, worried about his potential vulnerabilities in a general election.
Graham Platner is expected to win the Democratic primary for the Senate in Maine on Tuesday. Concerns grew after The New York Times reported disturbing behavior from Platner’s past. Several women who dated him mentioned unsettling or intimidating actions. One woman accused him of grabbing her and highlighted a tattoo he had, resembling a Nazi symbol, which he reportedly knew about during their relationship. Other women who dated him stated they felt safe. Previous controversies involved the tattoo, explicit messages sent during his marriage, and offensive online comments.
Platner, a progressive oyster farmer and political newcomer, faces close scrutiny. This situation has raised anxiety within the Democratic Party regarding their likely nominee in the contest against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Democrats worry about possible further damaging reports about Platner.
Some Democratic senators expressed their concerns. Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire told Punchbowl News that these issues are “serious and deserve scrutiny.” Others avoided questions or attempted to reduce the fears.
Platner has not dropped out and indicated on Thursday night that he will continue his campaign. Speaking on MS NOW, he admitted to past behavior problems post military service but denied physically harming his ex-girlfriend. He also claimed ignorance of the Nazi symbolism in his tattoo, which he has since altered.