Crucial Quote
“Let’s be very clear: This is a lifelong G.O.P. operative who’s dedicated her career to electing Republicans.” Platner’s campaign told the Times about Fifield, who has worked for Republican campaigns in Virginia.
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Tangent
Platner’s odds of winning one of Maine’s Senate race have plummeted this week on Kalshi. The GOP nominee (expected to be longtime Sen. Susan Collins) is now the 52% favorite, a dramatic change from the 72.7% odds Democrats held on May 22.
Key Background
The Times report is the latest controversy surrounding Platner, who this weekend brushed off reports of allegedly sexting women while married. He and his wife, Amy Gertner, who married Platner in 2023, called the reports “gossip,” with Platner saying he and his wife have a “very loving and very happy marriage” before accusing the media of trying to “rip that apart.” Progressive leaders including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., have supported Platner despite the controversy, with Gallego saying, “he’s willing to accept that he has grown as a person, and I think we should accept that.” Platner has apologized for his past controversial online posts, which reportedly encouraged people to not take substances to avoid being raped. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, has also blamed his online activity on the “disillusionment” he felt after returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. The candidate also notably covered up a tattoo he received while in the military, after claiming he did not know its connection to Nazism and alleging he got it while drunk.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Maine’s primaries are June 9.
Further Reading
Progressive Leaders Brush Off Graham Platner’s Sexting Controversy: ‘He Has Grown’ (Forbes)
Graham Platner’s Betting Odds Fall In Maine Senate Race Amid Sexting Scandal (Forbes)
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