Graham Platner Seen Winning June 9 Maine Primary Despite Sexting Scandal and 76% Poll Lead
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 8
Graham Platner Seen Winning June 9 Maine Primary Despite Sexting Scandal and 76% Poll Lead
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 8
Summary
June 9's Maine Democratic Senate primary still appears headed for Graham Platner, with political analysts saying his lead is too large to erase even after reports he sexted several women outside his marriage.
76% of Democrats backed Platner in the latest UNH poll taken before the sexting story, and heavy early voting plus Janet Mills' suspended campaign have left rivals little room to force an upset.
The scandal adds to earlier controversies over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and old Reddit posts, but supporters say attacks on his character reflect discomfort with his populist economic message; his campaign says fundraising strengthened after the sexting news.
Against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, the damage could matter more: pre-scandal polls showed Platner ahead 51%-42% and 48%-43%, but analysts say more revelations could test older women voters and slow Democratic momentum in a race critical to Senate control.