Democratic Senators Dodge Questions on Maine Candidate Graham Platner as Collins Eyes 6th Term
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 22
Democratic Senators Dodge Questions on Maine Candidate Graham Platner as Collins Eyes 6th Term
5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 22
Democratic senators largely declined to weigh in on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, leaving unclear whether they see his resurfaced remarks as a threat to a key pickup opportunity against Susan Collins.
2013 comments in which Platner appeared to blame rape victims have reemerged alongside other past remarks on race and terror, intensifying scrutiny of his candidacy.
Dick Durbin and Cory Booker said they were not closely following the race, though Booker said he would review the full record because the election is highly consequential.
Peter Welch said the decision belongs to Maine voters, underscoring how national Democrats are keeping their distance from a contest they view as winnable.
Collins, first elected in 1997, won reelection in 2021 by 51.0% to 42.4%, and Democrats risk helping her secure a sixth term if Platner becomes the nominee.
Can a controversial past become a political asset by reinforcing an 'authentic outsider' brand?
What does a candidate's rising popularity amid scandal reveal about what modern voters now value?