UMVA has learned that a crucial test of Republican Senator Susan Collins' long-held seat is underway in Maine, as embattled Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner faces mounting controversy.
Platner, an oyster farmer and military combat veteran backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and other top progressive champions, has been playing defense for weeks amid a slew of controversies that could threaten his expected Democratic primary victory.
The candidate has been dogged by reports of inflammatory online comments made on Reddit, a well-publicized and now covered-up tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, and allegations of exchanging sexually explicit messages with several women while married.
New allegations from ex-girlfriends have also surfaced, detailing a history of rape fantasies, heavy drinking, and violent episodes, which Platner has called untrue.
Despite the negative headlines, Platner thanked Maine voters for continuing to support him, saying "Maine had my back" when hurtful things he said on the internet a decade ago came to light.
Rep. Ro Khanna, the progressive leader from California who organized a rally with Platner, expressed concern about the allegations but emphasized that Platner has taken accountability and is growing as a person.
Khanna noted that Platner's economic policies, including taxing billionaires and focusing on the working class, align with his own views, and that redemption is needed in the country.
The Republican Party is seizing on the allegations, with a super PAC aligned with Collins blasting Platner and running ads spotlighting his controversies.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee charged that Platner is a "fraud," and the Republican National Committee targeted him with research on his past comments and actions.
Despite the incoming fire, no Democratic politicians who have backed Platner have rescinded their endorsements, with Khanna saying that the goal is to defeat Susan Collins.
Maine voters are divided on whether Platner's controversies will impact their opinions of the candidate, and Collins has said that Platner has a lot of questions to answer about the allegations.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Platner's campaign is under intense scrutiny, with many questioning whether he can defeat Collins in the general election.
In other primary elections on Tuesday, South Carolina's GOP gubernatorial nomination face-off is also drawing attention, with President Donald Trump's endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Evette is facing off against a handful of top rivals, including longtime South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and Rep. Nancy Mace.
The winner of the Republican gubernatorial nomination will be considered the clear favorite in November's general election in South Carolina.
In Nevada, incumbent Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo is expected to fend off a handful of primary challengers, while in North Dakota, a competitive GOP house primary is underway for the state's at-large district.
