Maine Republican Targets Graham Platner Over $12 Billion Budget and 32 Tax Hikes

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 18

Graham Platner, now Maine Democrats’ Senate nominee against Susan Collins, is being cast by a Republican critic as vulnerable on both his record and personal controversies ahead of the November race.
The attack centers on Platner’s progressive platform, arguing it would deepen a cost-of-living squeeze after Maine’s budget nearly doubled to $12 billion and lawmakers imposed 32 new or higher taxes and fees in eight years.
Energy is a second line of attack: Maine households pay 63% more for electricity than the U.S. average, with renewable-energy subsidies adding about $275 a year to the typical bill, according to the critique.
The same argument extends to healthcare and schools, citing MaineCare enrollment at nearly twice its level of a decade ago, 13 of 16 counties as healthcare shortage areas, and roughly $26,000 per pupil in spending as the state ranks 41st in K-12.