Graham Platner’s Resilient Campaign Amid Allegations

In Bar Harbor, Maine, Graham Platner returned to the campaign trail on Friday as hundreds of supporters expressed their continued loyalty, despite new allegations of inappropriate behavior by three women from his past relationships. The Democratic Senate candidate acknowledged the accusations indirectly and received standing ovations from the audience.

Platner spoke about Maine as a state that provided him personal strength to recover from tough times. Addressing his supporters, he said, “Since the beginning, Maine, you had my back. When harmful things I said online a decade ago emerged as I shared my journey through PTSD and recovery, Maine supported me,” sparking cheers from the crowd.

The day before, the New York Times published an article detailing allegations from former girlfriends, which Platner addressed, saying, “every single piece of that past and journey gets dug up, litigated, and weaponized, you have my back.” While some former partners reported positive experiences, three women shared distressing stories. One woman, Lyndsey Fifield, accused Platner of physical altercation during their relationship.

Platner, a former military veteran, talked about overcoming PTSD from his service. He referred to some allegations as politically motivated and false, suggesting political ties in the accusations.

Platner expressed his gratitude toward Maine, saying, “The state of Maine raised me and saved me. To all of you out there, Maine, I will always have your back.” He asked his wife, Amy Gertner, to stand, which prompted the crowd to chant her name. Gertner found herself in the spotlight previously when reports of Platner’s explicit messages to multiple women surfaced, a vulnerability she disclosed to the campaign.

The candidate refrained from engaging with reporters post-event but provided interviews to local media outlets denying any physical threats. In an interview, he refuted certain allegations, claiming they were made with political motives.

Platner aims to shift attention from these personal headlines to the need for change in Maine. On Friday, his campaign celebrated raising $200,000 following the New York Times article, marking it as the campaign’s best fundraising day since a primary opponent’s withdrawal.

Speaking to Mainers, Platner redirected criticism toward his election opponent, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, describing her moderate image as a “charade.” He criticized Collins for supporting Brett Kavanaugh, accusing her of either deceit or naivety.

Many supporters at Friday’s event stated their unwavering support for Platner, despite recent allegations. Janice Low emphasized her decision to vote for him, and Galen Low, her husband, expressed understanding of human mistakes and redemption.

State Rep. Gary Friedmann praised Platner’s speech, noting, “Mainers are pretty down to earth, and we’ve all made a lot of mistakes in our lives, we’ve all done things that we regret.” He concluded that voters would choose the candidate who truly stands up for the people, implying it wasn’t Susan Collins.