Democrats spent only $6,250 to evaluate Graham Platner for the Maine Senate election

More Democrats Urge Graham Platner to Withdraw from Maine Senate Race

Democratic leaders and strategists are increasingly pressuring Graham Platner, a candidate for the Maine Senate, to step down following serious sexual assault allegations highlighted by Politico. Melissa De Rosa pointed out Platner’s troubling history, including Nazi tattoos and derogatory online posts, while criticizing the party’s vetting process. Tudor Dixon suggested that the timing of these allegations may have been politically motivated.

It appears that Democratic operatives opted for a quick and inexpensive background check on Platner before he launched his Senate campaign, a decision that seems to be backfiring as new controversies emerge. The check cost about $6,250 and only took three days, compared to the weeks and tens of thousands of dollars usually required for thorough vetting, according to sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal.

Typically, the election process aims to ensure that candidates are free from any damaging personal history that could affect their campaign. However, Platner now faces multiple accusations, including rape from one ex-girlfriend and allegations of abuse from another, which he vehemently denies. His past, including Nazi-related tattoos obtained during his military service and inappropriate texts sent while married, has drawn significant scrutiny.

A brief risk assessment memo intended for Platner’s campaign did not cover these allegations, though it did mention some contentious topics that have gained public attention.

The Wall Street Journal reported that one of Platner’s campaign aides admitted that while some problematic posts were flagged during the vetting process, not all were caught, including ones where Platner made derogatory comments about military members and expressed support for violence and socialism.

After facing backlash, Platner apologized, attributing his past comments to trauma from his military service. Interestingly, when Platner’s advisor was shown some of the controversial posts, he reassured him that these issues wouldn’t necessarily hinder his Senate ambitions.

As calls for Platner to resign grow louder, many prominent Democrats have already distanced themselves from him. If he were to withdraw from the race ahead of July 13, the party might find a replacement candidate for the ballot.

In a recent video refuting the rape allegations, Platner expressed his commitment to his campaign goals, which include defeating Susan Collins, stating, “These were my goals when I started this campaign, and they are still my goals.” However, he is now facing increased pressure to step aside.