Platner Leads Maine Democratic Primary by 34 Points Despite Mounting Controversies

Graham Platner's bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine faces significant challenges, yet a recent University of New Hampshire poll shows him leading Democratic primary opponent Governor Janet Mills by 34 points. The survey, conducted from October 16 to 21, found Platner with 58% support compared to Mills' 24% among likely primary voters, even as "a series of negative revelations about him have upended next June’s Democratic primary," as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This surprising lead comes amid a flurry of controversies surrounding the first-time candidate.

The revelations include inflammatory online posts where Platner reportedly called police "bastards," wrote that rural, white Americans were "stupid and racist," and used homophobic language. Further controversy arose over a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which Platner has since covered, claiming he was unaware of its connotations. He has apologized for his past remarks, attributing them to a "dark period" following his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Despite the controversies, Platner has maintained a defiant stance, accusing the Democratic Party of attempting to "destroy" his life. His campaign has, however, experienced internal turmoil, including the resignations of his national finance director, Ronald Holmes, and former campaign manager, Kevin Brown. Holmes stated his "professional standards" no longer aligned with the campaign's direction, while Brown cited personal reasons.

The situation has exposed a deep divide within the Democratic Party, with Senator Bernie Sanders standing by Platner, praising his military service and commitment to working-class issues. Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has endorsed Governor Janet Mills, calling her "the best candidate to retire Susan Collins" due to her proven track record. This internal struggle highlights the party's dilemma between backing an insurgent candidate with strong progressive appeal and a more established, vetted figure.

The Democratic primary is a critical step in the effort to challenge Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican who has historically proven difficult to defeat. Collins, who plans to run for a sixth term, has successfully navigated tough re-election battles, making the Democratic nominee's electability a paramount concern for the party. The ongoing fallout from Platner's controversies could significantly impact the dynamics of the primary leading up to the June election.