Graham Platner, who won Maine’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate before withdrawing from the race in July, is scheduled to appear as a featured speaker at a Labor Day event in Ellsworth. The rally, organized by Hancock County Activists and called “Labor Day Rally for Labor,” will take place at Ellsworth City Hall near Platner’s hometown.
Platner ended his campaign after Politico reported allegations from a former girlfriend that he had sexually assaulted her. Platner denied the allegation but stated at the time that he was stepping aside due to the importance of defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The event is not being hosted or organized by the Hancock County Democratic Committee, though the committee posted information about it online. Hancock County Democrats Chair Marcia Myers said the practice of posting information about the event was consistent with past practice and that people could decide whether to attend.
According to Carol Leonard, who works with Acadia Action, which is helping to host the event, Platner spoke at the rally last year as well. Leonard said he is not expected to discuss the campaign but will instead focus on the history of the U.S. labor movement and the role of organized labor in communities and the country.
After Platner dropped out, the Maine Democratic Party held a special convention and nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson as its nominee. Platner has maintained a low profile since withdrawing and did not respond to requests for comment. The Maine Republican Party criticized the event, with spokeswoman Kristina Parker stating that Maine voters were “disgusted” by Platner’s actions and arguing that Democrats’ decision to host him indicated the party was “out of touch with Maine.”
Platner, 41, is an oyster farmer and combat veteran who had fashioned his campaign around working-class issues including housing and healthcare costs. His campaign had faced multiple controversies prior to his withdrawal, including reports of sexually explicit text messages exchanged while married and a tattoo he said he later learned was recognized as a Nazi symbol, which he subsequently covered with a different design.
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