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Political Turmoil in Maine
A Senate race turns into a dumpster fire as Democrats call for their own candidate to drop out
The U.S. Senate race in Maine has descended into chaos, with political operatives in Trumpworld gleefully hoping that embattled Democratic candidate Graham Platner remains in the race as long as possible. According to sources familiar with the thinking of these operatives, the electoral turmoil in the state can only benefit Republicans. Platner, a U.S. Marine veteran, won the Democratic primary last month despite a string of controversies, but now faces mounting calls from within his own party to step aside.
The situation escalated on Monday when a woman accused Platner of sexual assault, telling Politico that he had forced her to have sex against her will. Platner’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment from WIRED, though it previously denied the allegation in a statement to Politico. This is the latest in a series of controversies: Platner has previously been accused of mistreating women, was linked to a Nazi tattoo, and has been associated with multiple offensive online comments.
Democratic Calls for Withdrawal
From Bernie Sanders to Chuck Schumer, party leaders urge Platner to exit
Over the past 24 hours, a wave of Democratic leaders has called for Platner to drop out of the race. Figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have publicly urged him to step aside, citing his increasingly toxic political brand and the growing number of political enemies he has within his own party. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has announced that it will not fund Platner’s campaign should he remain in the race, adding financial pressure to the political storm.
Trumpworld operatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed hope that Platner would stay in the race, noting that his presence could harm Democratic chances in a key Senate contest. One strategist jokingly said, “Platner should stay in and fight the liberal lobbyist establishment!” The operatives are thrilled by the DSCC’s decision, as it forces Platner to rely on small-dollar donations, which are unlikely to cover the tens of millions of dollars needed for television ads in the expensive Boston-area media market, which reaches Maine voters.
Republican Confidence and Uncertain Deadlines
Even if Platner drops out, Trumpworld believes Collins holds the advantage
Democrats have until July 13 for Platner to drop out, with a July 27 deadline for a special election to replace his name on the ballot. Democratic operatives in Maine suggest this could happen around the weekend of July 25, but Trumpworld does not see alternative candidates as a major threat. Potential replacements include Governor Janet Mills, who previously dropped out of the Democratic Senate primary, and former state senator Troy Jackson. However, a longtime GOP strategist expressed skepticism that voters would overlook the baggage associated with any Democratic candidate following the Platner saga.
“At the end of the day, Democrats have to run a perfect race to beat Collins, which they have not done. She’s still the least offensive candidate of the Senate Republican conference, and so the strongest candidate we could have in the race,” the strategist said. Incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who bucked Joe Biden in Maine in 2020, is seen as a strong contender. Despite this confidence, Trumpworld and the Republicans’ Senate campaign arm expect a bruising fight that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with the possibility of a tight race.
Based on reporting from wired.com
