Overview
- An EMILYs List/Impact Research poll of 700 likely Maine voters (Oct. 22–27, MOE ±3.7) shows Susan Collins leading Graham Platner by 9 points, expanding to 19 points when respondents hear excerpts of his past posts and details about his tattoo, and narrowing to a 14-point Collins lead after his apology.
- The survey, released Nov. 7 and publicized Nov. 12, found Collins above 50 percent in all scenarios, even as a generic ballot favored Democrats by 9 points and Collins’ approval was underwater at 44 percent approve to 54 percent disapprove.
- Platner has apologized for inflammatory posts from 2013–2021, has said he struggled with PTSD, and maintains he did not know at the time that his chest tattoo resembled a Nazi Totenkopf; he says the tattoo is now covered.
- The campaign has faced turnover, with departures that include the political director who cited the posts, as well as the treasurer and finance director, and it has required staff nondisclosure agreements, according to the Associated Press.
- Platner remains in the race against Gov. Janet Mills for the Democratic nomination, as right-leaning media highlight separate controversies involving other Democrats, including a Blaze Media report on Michigan candidate Samuel Smeltzer that drew condemnation from the NRCC.