Graham Platner has been accused of making misogynistic posts online, sexting with women other than his wife and getting a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Democrats are on the brink of making him their Senate nominee anyway.

The Maine Senate race has long been a white whale for Democrats — a state that has trended their way in presidential elections yet has never managed to produce a candidate capable of defeating longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Now, with the national political environment working in their favor and Collins seeking a sixth term, Democrats believe this cycle may finally be different. 

Whether Platner’s personal baggage costs them that opportunity — or whether voters decide it does not matter — could help determine which party controls the Senate next year.

But even as some voters feel squeamish about the political newcomer, most Democrats on the ground told MS NOW they plan to stand by him despite the latest allegations.

Deborah Napier of Portland said that while she does not “condone [Platner’s] actions,” she said she believes “people can change.”

Melissa Violette of Hancock told MS NOW that “we all have skeletons in our closet, and we’ve all made mistakes.” 

“I really respect the fact that he owns the things that he has done,” she said. “He doesn’t try to distract people from it or make it OK.”

The drumbeat of stories about Platner’s personal life has persisted since he first announced his Senate bid last year. The revelations have included his past misogynistic posts on the website Reddit, a tattoo he insists he did not know resembled a Nazi symbol, accusations of “toxic” past relationships — including allegations of physical altercations, which he denies — and recent allegations of extramarital sexting, which he has acknowledged are true.

At a Sunday town hall in Portland, Platner sought to turn the focus back to his populist economic message, while also thanking voters for staying with him. 

“This is a pretty hard thing to go through, to be entirely honest,” he told the crowd. “The only thing that really makes it bearable is going around the state of Maine and having as much support as we’ve gotten.”

But with the latest scandals, Platner’s expected primary win sets up what could be a wildcard race in a state Democrats had viewed as a prime pickup opportunity in their efforts to flip the Senate.

Collins, despite being a top Democratic target for consecutive election cycles, has repeatedly proven herself impervious to attempts to end her political career. She has called the recent stories about Platner “troubling.”

Some Democrats admit they are anxious Platner’s personal scandals could complicate Democratic efforts to finally notch this long-sought win in November’s general matchup.

“I’m a little apprehensive because of the recent revelations about Platner, and that he may lose some votes as a result of that,” Michael Pancoe of Bar Harbor told MS NOW while waiting to enter a Get Out the Vote rally headlined by Platner on Friday night. 

Steve Ulmer of Augusta said he worried the revelations could “hurt his chances.” 

“I think it could have an effect. I’m hoping it doesn’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it would,” he said. 

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But some suggested that even if the messenger is imperfect, they believe in the message — and that his imperfections make him relatable.

“He is a macho guy, and I think the Republicans think that they own machoism amongst white men,” Pancoe said. “They are fearful of him and what he represents because they think that they own that personality and that audience.”

Dennis Kiley of Mount Desert Island told MS NOW that Democrats “have to be willing to get dirty.”

“That includes some candidates who may not be perfect necessarily, but they’re strong and they have values that I believe they’re going to stand by,” Kiley added.

Others downplayed the allegations against him, arguing they pale in comparison to anything the occupant of the White House is accused of. 

“I don’t think that we’re accepting lower standards. I think this is different,” said Andrea Gabel-Richards of Lamoine, Maine. “I mean, Trump is a convicted felon.”

Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, announced his bid for Senate last August. His populist message quickly caught fire with Democratic voters, allowing him to fend off an attempt by two-term Maine Gov. Janet Mills to seek the nomination. Despite an endorsement from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Mills suspended her campaign in April, citing insufficient funds. 

She is “still on the ballot” — a point she not-so-subtly reminded voters of in a recent press interview.

A strong showing for Mills on Tuesday could renew calls for Platner to step aside, while a commanding performance from the embattled Platner could help him quell Democratic second guessing — at least until Republicans amp up their attacks.

A handful of Democrats — particularly women — told MS NOW that they may vote for Mills to send a message that they are not happy with Platner and his past behavior. Several indicated they are concerned another story about Platner could come out in the coming months, only further upending the race again. 

“When you have egg on your face, the thing to do is wash your face, and that includes bringing forward anything that could hurt your chances,” said Elaine Piccini of Portland. “He didn’t do that.”

Alex Trowbridge contributed to this report.

Kevin Frey

Kevin Frey is a congressional reporter for MS NOW.