Graham Platner Takes Aim at Senate Seat in Maine

Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran in his middle years, is stepping into the political arena as a Democrat. His sights are set on defeating Democratic Governor Janet Mills in the upcoming primary on June 9 and ultimately ousting Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election.

Platner is vocal about his opposition to what he describes as the “billionaire class” that holds sway over Washington, claiming to have not just survived but even thrived through various personal controversies.

Recently, however, critics have uncovered another controversial social media post from Platner. A Reddit comment from 2012 has resurfaced, gaining attention on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed a cynical view on religion based on his experiences in the military. This comment references incidents involving fellow soldiers’ perspectives on faith, revealing a somewhat dismissive attitude towards religious beliefs.

National Republican Senatorial Committee has already reacted, suggesting that Platner’s past comments about Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary might hinder his candidacy.

The Maine Republican Party has also weighed in, stating that his previous remarks should disqualify him from consideration, highlighting that the progressive base in Maine is fully behind him despite the backlash.

Other incendiary comments made by Platner on social media have emerged within the last year. He has reportedly made derogatory statements about rural white Americans, and his controversial remarks include suggestions that military personnel concerned about sexual assault should invest in “Kevlar underwear”. This particular sentiment has drawn significant ire.

Platner has since issued apologies for these past remarks, attributing them to feelings of disillusionment following his deployment to Afghanistan. He has faced scrutiny as well for a tattoo that bears a resemblance to Nazi symbolism, which was once associated with notorious forces during WWII.

Although this controversy has prompted some supporters to distance themselves from him, others within the Democratic Party, including prominent figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren, continue to support his campaign.

Polls before the resurfacing of these allegations indicated that Platner was leading the Democratic primary. Recent surveys showed him ahead of Governor Mills by a notable margin of 27 points, suggesting potential strength among voters looking for change.