UMVA has learned that Sen. Bernie Sanders is standing firm in his endorsement of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, despite recent controversy surrounding Platner's personal life.
Platner, a Democrat, was recently embroiled in a scandal after it was revealed that he exchanged sexual texts with several women just two years after marrying his wife, Amy Gertner. The text exchanges came to light following a report that claimed Gertner had told a campaign aide about the texts as they began looking into potential political liabilities.
Sanders fired back at critics, telling an MS Now reporter on Monday that the focus should be on the pressing issues facing working-class Americans, not Platner's marriage. "Sixty percent of our people are living paycheck to paycheck. People can't afford healthcare. They can't afford groceries. They can’t afford to fill up their gas tanks. The oligarchs are planning to spend, I believe, some $90 million in a small state like Maine to defeat Graham Platner," he said.
When asked if he was reconsidering his endorsement, Sanders was unequivocal: "certainly not." He emphasized that the American people are facing far more pressing concerns than Platner's personal life, saying, "maybe we focus on the issues facing the American people, the people of Maine, and not the marriage issues facing Graham Platner."
Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, has also come out in defense of her husband's Senate campaign, slamming media outlets for spreading "gossip" instead of focusing on the real issues. In a video posted on social media, Gertner expressed her frustration, saying, "Being newly married and going through infertility is hard. Being newly married, going through infertility, and a Senate campaign is hard."
Sanders reiterated his support for Platner, telling reporters, "Of course," and, "Why would I not?" when pressed about his endorsement. As the controversy continues to unfold, it's clear that Sanders is committed to standing by his candidate.
