Maine Democrats Stick With Graham Platner 1 Day Before Primary as Abuse Allegations Rattle Senate Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
Maine Democrats Stick With Graham Platner 1 Day Before Primary as Abuse Allegations Rattle Senate Race
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
Summary
One day before Maine’s primary, many Democrats said they still plan to back Graham Platner even after reports that three former partners described volatile, “toxic” relationships and demeaning behavior toward women.
More than 30 interviews across the state showed a split response: some voters dismissed the allegations and old online posts as secondary to defeating Republicans, while others said the reports made them reconsider or skip November.
Susan Collins, the Republican incumbent, remains the larger strategic concern for many Democrats, who see the Maine race as potentially pivotal to Senate control and worry Platner cannot afford defections on the margins.
Platner’s campaign has strongly disputed claims of physical intimidation or altercations, but the episode has injected unease into a contest where supporters had been energized by his outsider profile and progressive message.