Maine
Maine Democrat Graham Platner to remove tattoo resembling Nazi symbol
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Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, a former Marine and oyster farmer challenging Sen. Susan Collins, has faced backlash over a chest tattoo resembling a Nazi skull and crossbones. He claims ignorance of its connotations and plans to have it removed, amid resurfaced offensive Reddit posts from his post-military years. Supporters like Sen. Bernie Sanders defend him, while critics question his awareness.
Maine Senate candidate faces scrutiny over old Reddit posts
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is under fire for deleted Reddit posts from 2013 to 2021 that promote violence, express communist views, and include racist remarks. The 41-year-old veteran and oyster farmer has disavowed the comments as youthful indiscretions made during a period of disillusionment. The revelations come amid a competitive primary race against Governor Janet Mills to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Janet Mills joins crowded Maine Senate Democratic primary
Maine Governor Janet Mills announced her candidacy for the Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday, positioning herself as the establishment favorite to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. The move comes amid aggressive recruitment by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, as Democrats eye the seat as a key pickup opportunity in a state Kamala Harris won in 2024. Mills faces competition from younger candidates in a race that highlights generational tensions within the party.
Graham Platner apologizes for past offensive Reddit comments
Platner’s finance chief quits, citing misalignment with ‘professional standards’
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Ronald Holmes, national finance director for Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, resigned Friday after saying his professional standards no longer aligned with the campaign — the third senior departure amid scrutiny of Platner’s past posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. The campaign stressed its reliance on small-dollar fundraising despite the shake-up.
U.S. Supreme Court restores Maine lawmaker’s vote after censure over sports post
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Maine Rep. Laurel Libby was barred from speaking and voting on the House floor after posting about a transgender high school athlete. She refused to apologize and sued; the U.S. Supreme Court later ordered her votes to be counted while the case proceeded, and lawmakers ultimately rescinded the restrictions.
Maine senate candidate platner reshuffles campaign amid controversies
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, has overhauled his campaign staff and implemented new compliance measures in response to recent controversies over his past social media posts. The changes include hiring a new manager and sending non-disclosure agreements to staffers. Despite the backlash, a recent poll shows Platner leading his primary rival.