Democrat strategists sound alarm over Graham Platner’s electability after repeated controversies

Democratic concerns are going to grow over the electability of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, as a series of controversies surrounding him continue to generate scrutiny.

The race is viewed as a key opportunity for Democrats as they seek to regain control of the US Senate. However, Platner has faced repeated questions about his past conduct and statements, prompting concern among party strategists about his viability in defeating incumbent Susan Collins.

Earlier this year, Platner came under fire after reports revealed he had previously worn a tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a symbol used by SS units in Nazi Germany. The controversy intensified after Platner insisted he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning when he got the tattoo, but a former member of his campaign said he was aware of the symbol’s meaning when he had it covered. Additionally, online posts linked to a Reddit account associated with the Platner appeared to show him discussing the symbol in 2019.

The Reddit account also contained other controversial posts, including comments mocking an American soldier who was wounded by Taliban gunfire, statements indicating he had “became a communist,” and remarks defending political violence against political opponents.

Most recently, reports emerged that Platner had sent sexually explicit messages to multiple women while married. Democrats had hoped this would be the end of the controversy, only for The New York Times to publish a story on Thursday in which several former girlfriends of Platner came forward and alleged abusive behavior.

One former girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield, dated Platner from 2013 to 2015. She said he would be rough with her, though she clarified that he had never hit or punched her. But she also alleged that the Platner knew before the controversy what his now-covered tattoo resembled, referring to it as “my Totenkopf.”

The state of affairs has left Democratic strategies feeling discouraged about Platner’s chances of winning.

“And there’s no way he’s going to win a referendum on himself,” said Democratic strategist Joel Payne, according to The Hill. “He’s got to make sure that when Maine voters go to the ballot, they ask, ‘Am I really comfortable with Susan Collins for another six years?'”

Another strategist, Steve Schale, said he was “utterly exasperated” by the events. 

“I’m glad I don’t live in Maine, and there are 5 other viable pick-up opportunities,” he said, referring to races where Democrats have better chances of winning.

A poll from UMass Lowell/YouGov from Thursday, prior to the sexting and abuse allegations, found that Platner had 48 percent of support from Maine voters, 5 points above Collins.