SouthernWorldwide.com – Democratic senators have largely sidestepped questions regarding Graham Platner, the controversial candidate in Maine vying to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins. Platner faces scrutiny over numerous offensive comments that have resurfaced recently.
These comments, coupled with the lawmakers’ general silence, have not shed light on whether Democrats perceive Platner’s past remarks on sexual abuse, race, and terror as a significant impediment to his Senate campaign.
This Senate seat is considered a prime opportunity for Democrats, offering a chance to unseat a moderate Republican in a state that leans Democratic. If Platner secures the nomination, Democrats will be hoping his controversial history does not alienate enough voters, which could inadvertently grant Collins a sixth term.
Sen. Susan Collins, who has held the seat since 1997, was last re-elected in 2021. She secured victory with 51.0% of the vote against Democratic challenger Sara Gideon, a state legislator.
Among the resurfaced comments, Platner once posted on Reddit, appearing to blame rape victims for not protecting themselves.
“How about people just take some responsibility for themselves and not so f—– up when they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to?” Platner wrote in 2013.
“If you don’t want to be in a compromising situation, act like an adult for f—- sake.”
For Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., the context behind these statements remains unclear. Similar to Sen. Dick Durbin, Booker indicated his focus has been elsewhere.
“I have not been focusing on this race,” Booker stated.
However, he pledged to investigate the matter more thoroughly.
“I am going to do my due diligence and look through the full body of evidence around him. He has a case to make to the voters, not to people like me. And he needs to make it because obviously this election is highly consequential,” Booker commented.
Other senators emphasized that the Maine race is ultimately a decision for the voters in the Pine Tree State.
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“It’s up to Maine,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. “It’s up to Maine’s people.”
