UMVA has learned that Democratic senators are walking a tightrope in their response to the controversy surrounding Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate vying to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins in Maine.
Platner's past remarks on sensitive topics such as sexual abuse, race, and terror have resurfaced, sparking concerns among Democrats about the potential impact on the Senate contest. Yet, when questioned about Platner, most Democratic lawmakers have chosen to sidestep the issue.
Sen. Dick Durbin, a prominent Democrat from Illinois, exemplified this approach when he told Fox News Digital that he isn’t closely following the Maine contest. "I’m not following that race closely," Durbin said earlier this week, leaving many to wonder if Platner's controversies will ultimately sink his candidacy.
The silence from Democratic lawmakers has done little to alleviate concerns about Platner's past comments and their potential threat to his Senate bid. This is particularly significant given that Democrats view the Maine seat as a prime opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat in a Democratic-leaning state.
Collins, a moderate Republican who has held her seat since 1997, won re-election in 2021 with 51.0% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Sara Gideon. Platner's nomination could complicate Democrats' chances, as his controversies may alienate voters and inadvertently secure Collins a sixth term.
Among Platner's resurfaced comments, a 2013 Reddit post stands out, in which he appeared to blame victims of rape for failing to protect themselves. "How about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not so f----- up when they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to?" Platner wrote. Such remarks have raised serious questions about his suitability for office.
Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, signaled that he would conduct his own due diligence on Platner, saying, "I am going to do my due diligence and look through the full body of evidence around him." However, he also emphasized that ultimately, it is up to the voters to decide.
Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It’s up to Maine. It’s up to Maine’s people." As the party navigates this delicate situation, one thing is clear: the Maine Senate contest has become a critical test of Platner's viability and the Democratic Party's commitment to its values.
