A Maine oyster farmer and military veteran is heading into Tuesday’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate while dealing with controversy surrounding his personal history, including claims about inappropriate messages and problematic body art.
Graham Platner, who served as a Marine and has positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate, is expected to emerge victorious in Tuesday’s contest. Despite being new to the political arena, ongoing questions about his conduct could become significant issues if he secures the nomination to challenge sitting Republican Senator Susan Collins, age 73. Collins, known for her moderate positions, has secured decisive wins in every election since 1996, even as the state has shifted toward Democratic candidates.
Multiple women have accused Platner of sending them sexually inappropriate messages within the past year, according to reports. Additionally, previous romantic partners described concerning behavior to the New York Times.
The 41-year-old candidate has issued apologies for his actions, explaining that he dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after serving in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regarding the tattoo controversy, he stated he was unaware of its resemblance to Nazi symbols and had it altered last year.
Political experts view the Maine Senate contest as among the most hotly contested races in the upcoming November midterm elections, where both chambers of Congress are up for grabs. To gain control of the 100-member Senate, Democrats must secure four additional seats currently held by Republicans.
Despite some party members expressing concern over the revelations about Platner’s history, progressive supporters including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont continue backing his candidacy, and no major Democratic figures have urged him to withdraw. During a Sunday evening town hall event in Portland, Maine, that lasted an hour, Platner avoided discussing the controversies and wasn’t questioned about them.
While Democratic primary voters may overlook Platner’s background issues, they could prove more problematic in a general election battle against Collins.
“She doesn’t always vote the way I like, but I call her the lesser of two evils. I hate to say it, but the other side is… there’s a lot of negative things coming out that I wouldn’t want in a dog catcher in my town,” Barbara Fenlason, 76, a piano teacher from Verona Island, Maine, told Reuters last week.
Should additional scandals surface, Democrats have alternatives available. State regulations allow the party to substitute a new candidate if he wins the primary but withdraws before July 13. His main competitor, Governor Janet Mills, halted her campaign in April but announced last week she will remain listed on the ballot.
Maine Democrats will also select a nominee to defend a Republican-favoring House seat representing the state’s wooded interior regions.
With moderate Democrat Jared Golden stepping down, Democrats face a choice between state Senator Joe Baldacci, viewed as the most centrist option, and three progressive candidates: Matt Dunlap, the state auditor, former congressional aide Jordan Wood, and social worker Paige Loud. Paul LePage, the controversial former governor, is anticipated to secure the Republican nomination.
Results from these races may take several days to determine, as the state employs a ranked-choice voting method that requires additional time for vote counting.
Tuesday’s primary elections also take place in Nevada, North Dakota and South Carolina. South Carolina’s competitive Republican gubernatorial primary features Representative Nancy Mace, who has sometimes clashed with party colleagues, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, who has received backing from fellow Republican, President Donald Trump.
In Nevada, video game composer Marty O’Donnell has secured Trump’s support and is considered the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to challenge sitting Democratic Representative Susie Lee in a district that leans Republican in the Las Vegas area. Additional Republican contenders include Jeff Gunter, a former ambassador to Iceland, and neurosurgeon Aury Nagy.
Lee faces her own primary opponent in cardiologist James Lally, who has opposed her stance supporting Israel.
