Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has rejected the latest claims of sexual assault against him, but the influential Democratic congressman who once backed his nomination will be remembered for his support.
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY):
Schumer’s backing of Platner as Senate Minority Leader was one of the most impactful endorsements he made. Just a week before Platner secured the Democratic primary in early June, Schumer deemed him the best chance at defeating incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).
When reporters pressed Schumer about his support for Platner amid backlash over his Nazi tattoo and explicit sexting while married, he noted the need to “defeat Susan Collins and take back the Senate.”
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) was gearing up to deliver considerable financial support to Platner’s campaign, despite allegations from Jenny Racicot, a woman who reportedly dated him, stating he had raped her at her home without her consent.
The 41-year-old Racicot claimed that during an “on-and-off relationship,” Platner was “highly intoxicated” and assaulted her despite her objections.
In an announcement made by Schumer alongside DSCC Chair Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), they expressed their disapproval:
The allegations are extremely concerning; violence and sexual assault are unequivocally unacceptable. Graham Platner should step down as a candidate, allowing the Maine Democratic Party to select someone who can effectively challenge Susan Collins. The DSCC will not provide support if Platner remains on the ballot.
Despite Mr. Schumer’s withdrawal of support due to the severe nature of the accusations, Platner still maintained his position, even as other women alleged disturbing behavior attributable to him.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Gillibrand, like Schumer, had initially backed Platner against Maine Governor Janet Mills (D), who abandoned her campaign before the primary.
As the chair of the DSCC, Gillibrand previously gave a favorable opinion of Platner:
In the past year, we’ve overcome the Republican Party that supported Trump’s harmful policies and gained a Democratic majority in the Senate. Collins has never been more vulnerable given her alignment with Trump and opposition against affordable healthcare for Mainers. We need Platner to secure a Senate majority.
However, Racicot’s allegations led to Gillibrand re-evaluating her support.
Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA)
Khanna has publicly supported Platner, defending him even amid scandals. In a recent Fox News interview, he admitted he believed Racicot’s accusations and labeled Platner’s past actions as “disgraceful,” attributing them to his battle with PTSD and alcoholism from his military service.
He acknowledged Platner’s struggles but expressed that voters ultimately decide if they think his transformation is genuine, suggesting it’s important to recognize past mistakes and offer forgiveness.
Following the recent allegations, Khanna announced he would withdraw his support, emphasizing that violence against women is an absolute line that cannot be crossed.
Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.)
Gallego was an early supporter of Platner, backing him even as prominent Democrats preferred Mills. He believed Platner could resonate with disenchanted voters.
In light of Racicot’s accusations, Gallego also shifted his stance, reiterating his support for victims.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
Sanders had endorsed Platner months before the primary, asserting that Platner was the right person to represent the working class. He remained committed to supporting him, even during the growing controversy.
However, as new allegations surfaced, a progressive group he co-founded urged Platner to withdraw, asserting that such serious accusations shouldn’t be sidelined.
Jon Favreau (former speechwriter for President Barack Obama)
Favreau, a prominent podcaster, initially defended Platner, but upon the latest allegations, he called for his resignation, emphasizing their severity and credibility.
In a surprising commentary, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized his fellow Democrats for overlooking Platner’s growing controversies, underscoring the absurdity of supporting someone with such serious allegations against them.
Through this tumultuous scenario, various political figures have grappled with their support for Platner, reflecting a broader struggle between personal beliefs and public accountability.
