Democratic Candidate Graham Platner Disqualified Amid Allegations
On Friday, Democratic lawmakers revealed that Graham Platner, their prospective Senate candidate from Maine, has been deemed “disqualified” as allegations surrounding his campaign continue to surface.
During an appearance on CNN, Pennsylvania Representative Madeleine Dean addressed whether she still supported Platner’s candidacy given the increasing scrutiny of his past and behavior. Her response was candid.
“I think all the stories that are coming out are very tragic, and it seems like it’s getting more and more by the hour,” Dean told CNN host Boris Sanchez.
Dean, though not a voter in Maine, expressed her belief that Platner was unfit for public office, stating, “In my eyes, he’s disqualified. He’s not qualified to be a member of the House or the Senate.”
She indicated that the growing number of allegations had crossed a line, rendering Platner unsuitable for a public role.
“Let’s see how Maine handles it,” she noted during the interview.
Dean also mentioned, “And I know Gov. Janet Mills is still on the ballot, but she herself has been disqualified.”
While she didn’t explicitly call for Platner to withdraw from the race, her statements highlighted a rising discomfort within the party.
As criticisms against Platner mount due to a series of damaging reports, Dean’s remarks stand out as one of the firmest denunciations from a Democratic figure so far.
The controversy escalated last week when The Wall Street Journal reported that Platner’s wife had informed campaign staff about witnessing him sending explicit messages to other women early in their marriage. Reports suggest that the couple later sought counseling and moved past this incident.
This comes after a period of heightened scrutiny of Platner’s campaign, which has faced backlash over a tattoo resembling the Nazi-linked Totenkopf symbol and the revival of social media posts where he called for a public apology.
Subsequent allegations emerged after the New York Times conducted interviews with former partners who accused Platner of abusive behavior in past relationships. These accusations include claims of aggressive conduct during disputes, with one ex-girlfriend alleging he threatened an intruder by saying he would “rape” him.
Despite the serious nature of these claims, Platner, who currently leads in polls against incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, denies them. He acknowledged a “dark period” due to alcohol issues and untreated PTSD but contested any physical abuse allegations and refuted the notion that his tattoos signify Nazi symbolism.
His wife, Amy Gartner, has publicly supported their marriage, asserting they’ve navigated their difficulties and emerged stronger together.
The Post has sought a response from Platner regarding these allegations.
