Graham Platner responds to attack ad over past sexist comments
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Maine senate candidate Graham Platner pushed back against a new attack ad from Gov. Janet Mills that resurfaced decade-old sexist comments found online. Mills released a 30-second spot highlighting Reddit posts about women and showing Platner’s tattoo, which has been described as resembling a Nazi symbol; Platner apologized on X and urged voters not to judge him by his worst moment from 14 years ago.Platner had previously released a negative ad, and Mills’ response signals a more aggressive tone in the primary. The two vie for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Susan Collins, with Mills supported by top Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and planning to serve only one term, while Platner is endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Ruben Gallego and positions himself as a younger political newcomer. Recent polls had Platner leading Mills in the U.S. Senate primary.
Maine Senate hopeful Graham Platner responds to attack ad over past sexist comments
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner pushed back against a recent attack ad from Senate primary rival Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) that highlighted past sexist comments made on the internet over a decade ago.
The Mills campaign on Tuesday released a 30-second spot resurfacing Reddit posts from over 10 years ago, marking a sharp turn in what had been a generally positive primary contest.
“These are words and statements I abhor,” Platner said in his 30-second response ad. “Maine, I’m asking you not to judge me for the worst thing I said on the internet on my worst day 14 years ago.”
The posts, which first resurfaced in October, included comments suggesting women should “not get so f***ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.” Another post said that women should “act like an adult for f***’s sake” to avoid rape.
Platner, an oyster farmer and military veteran, has also faced scrutiny over a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. Platner denied he is a “secret Nazi,” claiming he was unaware of the symbol’s meaning.
Mills’s Tuesday attack ad featured Maine women reacting to the internet comments. “That’s a horrible thing to say,” one said. “Disqualifying,” another noted.
“Graham Platner: The closer you look, the worse it gets,” the narrator closed while footage of Platner’s tattoo played in the background.
The ad came after recent polling showed Platner leading the two-term governor.
Shortly after the ad aired, Platner issued an apology statement on X.
“I was horrified and did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts,” he wrote. “I’m eternally grateful for the people of Maine who welcomed me home, made me the man I am today, and have now built this beautiful campaign alongside me.”
The attack ad suggests a more aggressive phase in the primary. Until now, Mills has largely avoided negative campaigning.
Platner launched his own negative ad in October. “Janet Mills again?” an actor questions in the ad. “She was a good governor, but I think it’s time for change.”
Both candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who announced last month that she would run for a sixth term.
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Mills, in her second term as governor, has been endorsed by prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and plans to serve only one term if elected.
Platner has framed himself as a younger, energetic political newcomer, earning endorsements from progressive figures such as Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
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