A group linked to Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has set up a website that highlights “red flags” related to her Democratic challenger, Graham Platner. The fundraising committee, Pine Tree Results, cataloged various alleged missteps associated with Platner’s campaign aimed at dislodging Collins to gain pivotal Senate seats occupied by Republicans.
“For over two decades, one man has raised significant concerns and shown his true nature,” the website declares. “He’s extreme. He poses a threat. Too extreme for Maine.”
The site relies on social media, Reddit discussions, and media reports to present a compilation of Platner’s more contentious statements and actions, with hopes of keeping these in public discourse as the election campaign intensifies over the next six months.
Specifically, it emphasizes seven key “flags,” which include Platner’s remarks about being a rape victim, a Nazi tattoo he previously had, derogatory comments towards Maine’s law enforcement, disparaging observations about residents, allegations of terrorist sympathies, views linked to communism, and what the site describes as “bigoted” attitudes towards minorities.
Requests for comments from Platner’s campaign have gone unanswered.
Pine Tree Results was founded in January of last year and has accumulated a largely unspent reserve of $12.7 million, according to records from the Federal Election Commission.
Even with the controversies spotlighted by Pine Tree Results, Democrats are optimistic about Platner’s potential to secure a Senate seat in a state they believe is ready for a shift.
Recently, former Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her Senate campaign, making way for Platner, who is now viewed as the leading contender for the party.
Collins, a moderate Republican, has historically performed well in a state that leans Democratic. She was re-elected in 2020, defeating her Democratic opponent Sarah Gideon with a tally of 51% to 42.4%.
Democrats are banking on Platner’s image as a political outsider to sway voters against the long-serving incumbent.
In response to the PAC’s criticism, Platner suggested that this scrutiny reflects a growing momentum for his campaign.
“Pine Tree Results, a Republican super PAC funded by twelve billionaires, has purchased $2 million worth of out-of-state attack advertisements against us,” Platner remarked in a recent Instagram post. “Not a single dollar came from Maine.”
If both Collins and Platner secure victory in their respective primaries next month, they are set to compete in the general election on November 3.
