Bar Harbor, Maine

California Representative Ro Khanna has described Graham Platner’s previous relationships as “toxic and volatile.” This statement comes in light of Platner’s candidacy against long-serving Republican Senator Susan Collins in one of the year’s pivotal electoral battles.

Khanna, a progressive figure from California who, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, has backed Platner, shared his thoughts in an interview on Friday night. He emphasized that Platner “takes accountability” for his past issues, arguing that “this country needs redemption.”

Platner, a military veteran and oyster farmer, is anticipated to be the Democratic nominee ahead of Maine’s primary on Tuesday. He faces scrutiny over various controversies, which include inflammatory Reddit comments and a controversial chest tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol—one that he has since covered up, as well as new allegations regarding disturbing fantasies and past violent behavior from an ex-girlfriend.

This race is arguably one of the toughest challenges Platner has faced against Collins, a key battle that will play a significant role in determining whether Republicans maintain their narrow Senate majority during the midterm elections.

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Collins, who recently returned to Maine after a busy session in Congress, celebrated achieving 10,000 consecutive votes in the Senate. Reporters asked her about the latest allegations surrounding Platner.

“The allegations in the latest article are concerning,” Collins remarked, highlighting that she believes Platner has many questions to address.

Seeking a sixth term, Collins is a moderate Republican known for occasionally opposing President Trump’s policies.

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Prior to a rally hosted by Khanna with Platner and other Democratic candidates, he was asked if he worried that Platner’s recent troubles could jeopardize the campaign and undermine Democrats’ chances of reclaiming the Senate. Khanna stated, “We are more concerned about making it clear that we are against misogyny. The relationship was toxic and volatile. There is no excuse for it.” He acknowledged that when he spoke to Platner, the candidate expressed being in a dark place post-deployment from Iraq, but clarified that this doesn’t excuse his past.

However, Khanna highlighted that since returning to Maine and starting anew as an oyster farmer, Platner has shown personal growth. “He recognizes his shameful past,” Khanna noted. “This suggests someone looking for redemption. I align with many of his economic principles, emphasizing taxation of billionaires and prioritizing the working class.”

Back in 2018, after Christine Blasey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, Khanna had tweeted his support for Ford, stating Kavanaugh was unfit for the Supreme Court.

In a rally near Platner’s home, during which he thanked supporters, Platner insisted that the challenges he faces are politically motivated. “Ten years ago, the state of Maine stood by me when my past surfaced during my struggle with PTSD and recovery,” he stated, affirming his belief that these attacks are reminiscent of those times.

Platner, who has battled PTSD after multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, faced criticism shortly after launching his campaign due to a problematic Reddit post.

He admitted to getting a tattoo in 2007 while stationed in Croatia with fellow Marines, but it only came to his attention last year that the design resembled a Nazi emblem, leading him to cover it up. Nevertheless, new allegations have arisen regarding the timeline of his awareness about the tattoo’s meaning.

Platner is currently contending with significant political adversity from Republican factions. Collins’ associated super PAC is running negative ads focused on Platner’s various controversies, while the National Republican Senatorial Committee labeled him a “fraud” after the rally.

The GOP also criticized him by sharing past statements and highlighting allegations about his personal behavior. Platner is promoting an economic populist agenda, denouncing corporate dominance and advocating for workers.

Khanna reiterated his agreement with many of Platner’s economic stances, particularly on the taxation of the wealthy.

Considering the overall political landscape, Platner is seen as the likely Democratic candidate after prominent figures, including longtime Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Governor Janet Mills, withdrew from the race, failing to match his fundraising efforts.

In a recent statement, Mills confirmed her name remains on the ballot, with ongoing discussions from party insiders urging her to return to the campaign amid Platner’s controversies; however, no active campaigning has taken place on her behalf.

When asked about Mills, Khanna referred to the strengths of democracy, emphasizing the choices available to candidates. Yet, he confidently predicted, “Platner will win. We need to unite against Susan Collins. Schumer, Sanders—everyone is on the same page.”

According to Platner’s team, over 600 supporters attended the rally, and he claimed to have raised $200,000 in the preceding 24 hours, asserting it was the strongest fundraising period for Mills since she stepped back.

Voter sentiments within Maine remain mixed following Platner’s controversies. Some expressed they couldn’t support him, while others, like a registered Republican from Acton, recognized imperfections yet saw potential in his leadership.