Democrats Sidestep Questions on Controversial Maine Candidate
Democratic senators have mostly shied away from discussing Graham Platner, the audacious candidate aiming to dethrone Republican Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, especially in light of his peculiar past remarks that have resurfaced lately.
Several Democrats conveyed to Fox News Digital that they aren’t particularly focused on the Maine election at this time.
“I haven’t really kept up with that race,” remarked Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., when inquired about Platner earlier this week.
The reactions, or lack thereof, from Democratic senators have done little to clarify their stance on whether they view Platner’s previous comments regarding sensitive topics like sexual abuse and race as a significant concern in his Senate campaign.
Democrats see this seat as an opportunity. It’s a chance, they think, to challenge moderate Republicans in states that lean Democratic. Should Platner secure the nomination, the party will have to hope that his past controversies don’t alienate voters—potentially paving the way for Collins to secure a sixth term.
Collins has held the seat since 1997, with her most recent re-election in 2021, where she won against Democratic contender Sarah Gideon by a margin of 51.0% to 42.4%.
Among the resurfaced remarks, Platner once criticized rape victims for not taking more precautions, stating in a 2013 Reddit post, “Why don’t people take some responsibility for themselves and not get so upset if they end up having sex with someone they didn’t mean? If you don’t want to end up in a compromising situation, act like an adult.”
Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., appeared uncertain about the context of these comments. Similar to Durbin, he indicated that his focus lies elsewhere, though he promised to investigate Platner’s situation further. “I’m going to do my due diligence and look at all the evidence around him,” Booker stated, adding that Platner “has a case to make… and this election is so important that he needs to make that case.”
Meanwhile, other senators noted that the electoral decisions in Maine are ultimately up to its residents. “It’s up to Maine,” asserted Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont. “It’s up to the people of Maine.”
