CNN Verifies Platner Kik Account as Sexting Reports Rattle Democrats 9 Days Before Primary
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 31
CNN Verifies Platner Kik Account as Sexting Reports Rattle Democrats 9 Days Before Primary
5 articles · Updated · CNN · May 31
CNN verified a Kik account that appears to belong to Graham Platner, using the handle “phustle0331” and a shirtless profile photo, after reports that he exchanged sexual messages with multiple women.
Amy Gertner, Platner’s wife, said she was “deeply hurt,” while former campaign political director Genevieve McDonald said Gertner warned staff last year that the sexting could become a political liability.
Democrats split over the fallout: Cory Booker said Platner has “questions to answer,” Andy Kim declined to weigh in, and Chris Murphy argued voters would still see a sharp contrast with Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
June 9 is the primary date, and Platner remains the presumptive Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills dropped out in April, despite earlier controversies over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and past anti-police, anti-White comments.
A UNH poll released last week showed Platner leading Collins by 9 points, leaving unclear whether the new sexting revelations will damage Democrats in a must-win Maine Senate race.
When does a politician's past online persona become a valid measure of their fitness for office?
How do voters weigh a candidate's claims of personal redemption against a trail of past misconduct?
Can a commanding polling lead insulate a candidate from a deeply controversial personal history?