Sexual assault allegation fractures Platner’s faithful online following
A sexual assault allegation against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has deeply divided his online supporters. Jenny Racicot accused him of forcing himself on her during a past relationship, which Platner denied. Some supporters continue to defend him, citing personal beliefs and his overall campaign policies, while others believe it may be time to consider alternative candidates, such as Shenna Bellows or Troy Jackson. Discussions within support groups reflect regret over dismissing early warnings and a reevaluation of his viability. Platner has until July 13 to decide whether to withdraw from the race, amid ongoing controversy and scrutiny. The allegations raise concerns about the potential impact on Maine’s political landscape, including the possibility of incumbent Sen. Susan Collins maintaining her seat.
The sexual assault allegation against Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner fractured one of his most loyal online communities Monday, with some supporters standing by him while others apologized for dismissing earlier warnings and began discussing potential replacement candidates.
Jenny Racicot, 41, alleged she and Platner had an on-and-off relationship for more than two years until Platner drunkenly entered her home uninvited and forced himself on her. Platner denied the allegations in an X post on Monday.
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Members of a Discord server dedicated to supporting Platner quickly split over the newest allegation, with some continuing to defend the nominee despite a string of controversies and others concluding his campaign may no longer be viable.
“I feel like I owe a lot of people that I called ‘hysterical’ for the past couple months an apology,” one user, named Benny, wrote. “Turns out they were right…”
Platner has faced a flurry of scandals since launching his campaign, including revelations that he had Nazi tattoos and multiple allegations of concerning behavior in past relationships. Some supporters nevertheless argued the latest allegation should not end his candidacy.
“She is accusing him of assaulting her while drunk and I believe her. I also do not think this is politically disqualifying,” said a user named Toast.
Another echoed a similar sentiment. “People’s personal drama is just that, personal. … We have a rapist as a president,” said heqt1c.
Others shot down that line of thinking, pointing to corroboration from Raicot’s boyfriend and visits with a therapist, and said it might be time to move on from Platner.
One user posted a link about requesting a refund to ActBlue donations, highlighting the severity of the allegations for even Planter’s most loyal footsoldiers.
As the discussion unfolded, some users began floating possible alternatives should Platner withdraw from the race, mentioning Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and former gubernatorial candidate Troy Jackson. Many expressed a preference for Jackson because of his progressive platform and endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
“I don’t view this as a campaign to get one specific guy in office. I view it as a campaign to get a set of progressive policies in office. This isn’t over,” mused AllisonIsLivid.
The nominee has until July 13 to decide whether to drop out. He said in a video after the allegations that he would take time to “reflect” on the “path forward.”
Several users grappled with the fact that Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) could be on a glidepath to reelection, given the gravity of the allegations.
“Who’s ready for 6 years of Collins on life support?” wrote Tequila Sunset.
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