Maine Senate candidate withdraws, referencing Platner’s comment on military sexual assault.

Dayla Smith Rodriguez, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, announced on Thursday that she is halting her campaign to back Governor Janet Mills. She expressed her concerns regarding fellow candidate Graham Platner’s previous statements, which she believes trivialized the issue of military sexual assault.

Smith Rodriguez, who works as a civilian contract officer for the U.S. Air Force, noted in a statement, “It’s evident that Republicans are hoping for a disjointed Democratic primary that weakens us.” She emphasized that she wouldn’t stand idly by as this happens.

She continued, highlighting the importance of focusing on critical issues important to Mainers, such as healthcare, affordability, housing, and climate change.

A survivor of military sexual assault herself, Smith Rodriguez remarked, “I simply cannot support, nor remain silent, about someone who questions the legitimacy of this crisis, especially if they might ascend to the Senate.” She added that it poses a significant risk to those who require advocacy.

Reports from The Washington Post reveal that Platner had made contentious remarks on Reddit back in 2013, including downplaying military sexual assault. One comment suggested that a rape survivor “should not be so crazy that they end up having sex with someone they didn’t mean.”

Platner later attempted to clarify his previous statements on October 17, attributing them to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder. He stated on “Pod Save America” that Maine residents would understand he is not accurately reflected in those remarks.

Nonetheless, a key figure in his campaign, former state Representative Genevieve MacDonald, resigned in light of the controversy.

Despite the backlash, Platner still appears to have a solid support base, with polls suggesting he is more favored than Mills, who recently declared her candidacy against incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). A University of New Hampshire Research Center poll indicated that nearly 60% of Maine Democrats prefer Platner, while 24% lean towards Mills and 14% are undecided.

Interestingly, Platner is also facing scrutiny over a tattoo resembling a Nazi skull symbol, although his campaign has confirmed that he has since covered it up.