As Maine’s June 9 Democratic primary approaches, some Republicans appear to be watching with a mixture of amusement, disbelief, and anticipation. Their reasoning is straightforward: if Democratic voters nominate Graham Platner, Republicans believe they will have an easier path to protecting Sen. Susan Collins’ seat in November.
That does not mean Republicans have been sitting quietly. It means many appear content to let Platner’s own controversies dominate the headlines.
And there are a lot of them.
The Primary Is Days Away
Maine Democrats vote on June 9. While Platner remains the favorite, an unusual wrinkle has emerged. Former rival Gov. Janet Mills, who suspended her campaign earlier this year, reminded voters that she never officially withdrew and remains on the ballot.
“People have the impression that I withdrew or dropped out,” Mills told a columnist. “I simply suspended active campaigning. I am still on the ballot.”
That statement has fueled speculation that some Democrats uncomfortable with Platner’s controversies could still cast protest votes for Mills.
The Tattoo That Won’t Go Away
The controversy that has generated perhaps the most attention involves a chest tattoo known as the “Totenkopf,” a skull-and-crossbones symbol closely associated with Nazi SS units and concentration camp guards during World War II.
Platner has insisted he got the tattoo while drinking during military leave in Croatia in 2007 and did not understand its Nazi associations at the time. When the issue exploded politically, he chose to cover the tattoo with a new design rather than wait for removal treatments.
The explanation has not satisfied many critics.
Even Democratic Sen. John Fetterman offered a remarkably blunt assessment.
“When I was growing up, if someone had a clear Nazi tattoo on them, you probably could conclude that they’re a Nazi sympathizer,” Fetterman said.
The tattoo became such a problem that sports media personality Dave Portnoy reportedly refused to participate in a campaign effort after learning about it because of his Jewish faith.
NP Editor: For the general election, think about groups of conservatives following him around shouting “Heil Hitler!” This would be a WORLDWIDE embarrassment for the Democrat Party.
The Sexting Scandal
Then came revelations about sexually explicit messages sent to women other than his wife.
Reports surfaced that Platner’s wife, Amy Gertner, informed campaign officials during an internal vetting process about sexual messages her husband had sent to other women early in their marriage.
The situation became even more damaging because the disclosure came from inside Platner’s own campaign circle.
Gertner publicly defended her husband despite the controversy.
“Being married is hard,” she said. “Being newly married is hard. Being newly married and going through infertility is hard.”
She said the couple underwent counseling and described their marriage as “stronger than ever before.”
Platner himself acknowledged the messages existed.
“Amy and I went through something hard because of me,” he said.
That did little to calm critics.
Fetterman was again unsparing, referring to Platner as a “creep” and mocking reports involving a Kik messaging account allegedly linked to him. “What kind of a creeper has been on a platform like Kik?” Fetterman asked.
NP Editor: Hopefully the “creep” comment will not sink Platner before the primary. It will certainly be national news in the general campaign. Candidates have been sunk by much lesser disgressions.
PTSD and Mental Health
Another issue generating scrutiny involves Platner’s Veterans Affairs disability benefits.
Platner has publicly stated that he receives approximately $4,800 per month based on a 100% VA disability rating stemming from physical injuries, PTSD, and other conditions.
A Portland attorney publicly called on Platner to explain the basis for his disability claims and clarify how his mental health conditions might affect his ability to handle the stresses of public office.
That’s PTSD, folks. The government believes that he is MENTALLY DISABLED. And of course this has shown in his comments, Platner, in our opinion, in mentally deranged.
Platner has repeatedly attributed many of his past offensive online comments and behavior to struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression following military service.
He told the Associated Press that controversial posts were made during a difficult period after leaving the Army while he was dealing with PTSD and depression.
In another interview, he described military culture as “a hyper-masculine, hyper-violent place” that influenced some of his earlier views.
His defenders argue that he has grown and changed. Critics argue that the sheer volume of controversies raises questions about judgment and character.
Sanders Stands Firm
While some Democrats have distanced themselves, Bernie Sanders remains firmly in Platner’s corner. Sanders has backed Platner throughout the campaign and previously described him as a stronger candidate than Mills.
When asked about the latest revelations, Sanders largely dismissed them. “Is he a saint? I guess not. I don’t know too many saints here,” Sanders said.
For Sanders, Platner remains a candidate focused on working-class issues. One would think that even Bernie Sanders would have better sense.
Why Republicans Are Smiling
Taken individually, any one of these controversies are sufficient to sink a campaign.
A questionable tattoo. Offensive old posts. Sexting allegations. Disability benefit questions. Campaign staffing controversies. Arguments with fellow servicemen.
That reality helps explain why many Republicans appear more interested in watching than attacking. From their perspective, every week seems to bring another damaging headline without any assistance from the GOP.
If Platner wins the Democratic primary on June 9, Republicans will almost certainly spend the summer and fall reminding voters about every one of these controversies. They have barely begun that process.
For now, many appear content to let Democratic voters make the decision themselves.
As Napolean once said, “Never interrupt your enemy when his is making a mistake.”
