Key facts
- Democrats are criticized for supporting Senate candidate Graham Platner amid abuse allegations.
- Platner denies claims of physical aggression and inappropriate conduct.
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's PAC donated $10,000 to Platner's campaign.
- Senator Chris Coons noted accountability but extended 'grace' to Platner.
- Platner leads incumbent Senator Susan Collins by 4 percentage points in a recent poll.
Prominent Democrats are facing criticism for their support of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who is accused of abuse and misconduct by former girlfriends. This response contrasts sharply with their previous calls for accountability regarding allegations against figures like Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and former President Donald Trump. Platner denies the allegations, including claims of physical aggression and inappropriate messages, stating they are politically motivated. Some Democrats, such as Senator Chris Coons, have indicated a need for accountability but also extended 'a measure of grace' to Platner. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, whose PAC donated $10,000 to Platner's campaign, dismissed the allegations as 'a lot of nothing.' Despite these controversies, Platner maintains a lead over incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. Other high-profile Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders, have declined to comment, while Representative Ro Khanna plans to campaign with Platner. The New York Times reported allegations of Platner's "unsettling" behavior toward women he dated, including one claim that he was physically abusive, which Platner denies.