Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced Monday his continued endorsement of Graham Platner, despite recent news coverage regarding the Maine Democratic Senate hopeful’s inappropriate text communications with multiple women during his marriage.
Over the weekend, Platner released a video featuring his spouse, Amy Gertner, who had previously informed his campaign about the text exchanges last year. In the recording, Gertner dismissed the media attention as mere “gossip” and commented that “being married is hard.”
Sanders, who provided crucial early support for Platner’s campaign, confirmed to The Associated Press Monday that he continues backing the former military service member and oyster farmer in his bid to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
“People can’t afford healthcare. Can’t afford groceries. Can’t afford to put gas in their cars. And I think it might be a good idea if we focused on the important issues facing the working families of Maine and this country,” Sanders stated.
The Vermont lawmaker mentioned plans to meet with Platner during his Washington visit this week, expressing his belief that the nation should “focus on issues more important than the Platner marriage.”
Platner will also participate in a fundraising event co-organized by Ron Klain, President Joe Biden’s former chief of staff.
The Democratic candidate seeks his party’s nomination in what observers consider one of the nation’s most significant Senate contests, as Democrats aim to defeat the long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins and reclaim chamber control. Maine’s primary election occurs June 9, with Platner’s main Democratic opponent, Governor Janet Mills, having ended her campaign in April.
This Friday evening, Platner will join California progressive Representative Ro Khanna and two Maine Democratic candidates at a “get out the vote” event in Bar Harbor’s historic theater in the coastal community.
