The already volatile Senate contest in Maine between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Graham Platner is entering an even more precarious phase for the Sanders-backed progressive, as new polling and fresh allegations threaten to upend his campaign.
According to RedState, recent surveys show Collins opening a three-point lead over Platner, marking the first time she has pulled ahead in what had been a tightening race. Another poll released this week, which showed Platner up by two points, nonetheless contained ominous indicators for his campaign, suggesting that his mounting personal controversies are eroding support even among voters who say returning the Senate to Democratic control is their top priority.
"A majority of surveyed voters said his string of controversies has either called into question their support for him or made them disavow him entirely," The Politico noted. "And Collins is winning 10 percent of voters who would prefer Democrats take control of the Senate." For a party that has spent years insisting that character and personal conduct are paramount, the fact that a significant slice of pro-Democrat voters is now defecting to Collins underscores how politically toxic Platners record has become.
Platner is already struggling to contain the fallout from a series of scandals, including revelations about a Nazi tattoo, a sexting episode, and domestic abuse allegations from a former girlfriend. Now, a figure who played a central role in exposing sexual harassment and assault claims against former Rep. Eric Swalwellallegations that culminated in his resignation from Congresshas turned her attention to Platner.
Cheyenne Hunt, an attorney and progressive social media influencer who previously endorsed Platner, is now working with multiple women who had prior personal relationships with him, NBC News reported. Hunt is helping the women navigate press attention, while her organization, Reckoning Action, is providing pro bono legal counsel, according to two people who spoke with Hunt about her plans, as cited by NBC.
NBC also described Hunt as an early Platner supporter who backed him in last years Senate primary before later becoming involved in an effort opposing him. The fact that a progressive activist once in Platners corner is now assisting his accusers suggests that the storm gathering around the Democrat is far more serious than his campaign has publicly acknowledged.
The involvement of Hunt suggests that the storm currently brewing just over the horizon for Platner will be harder to fend off than the allegations published in the New York Times. Unlike earlier stories, which Platners team appeared able to partially contain, this emerging effort is organized, lawyered up, and clearly prepared for a sustained fight in the public arena.
The NBC News story detailing Hunts role is behind a paywall, but EditorialBoard.com writer Magdi Jacobs shared key excerpts and analysis on X. Jacobs characterized the report as a classic inside-the-beltway warning shot, hinting that more damaging material is already in the hands of journalists.
"Here's how to read between the lines. This is a 'process piece.' There are allegations out against Graham Platner. Ones you haven't heard about yet. At least some of these allegations have gone to the press, but have not been published yet. The women have legal representation." That description points to a scenario in which newsrooms are actively vetting claims, while the women involved are being advised not to be intimidated by political or legal pressure.
"This is what is essentially undeniable. Graham Platner and his team are using campaign resources to suppress these stories. There are multiple allegations of violence against women & Graham Platner's legal team is likely working to strangle the stories." Such tactics, if accurately described, would raise serious ethical questions about a candidate who claims to champion womens rights while allegedly deploying donor-funded legal muscle to silence them.
Rumors swirled that the New York Times story quoting his ex-girlfriends was not more extensive and didn't include allegations that were rumored to be more disturbing because Platner's legal team had gotten to them in the 24-hour period the paper gave them to respond before the story went live. That would help explain why the published account appeared narrower than many in political circles had anticipated, even as whispers of more severe accusations continued to circulate.
It's unclear as to when or even if these allegations will see the light of day. But if they do, expect them to hit sometime after July 14th, which is the last day Platner has to drop out and for Maine Democrats to be able to legally replace him with another nominee.
For now, Maine voters are left to weigh a veteran Republican senator with a reputation for independence against a progressive challenger increasingly defined by scandal, legal maneuvering, and efforts to manage rather than confront serious claims of misconduct. Stay tuned.
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