Key facts
- Graham Platner stated he has not considered dropping his Maine Senate primary bid.
- Platner denied most allegations as untrue and politically motivated.
- Platner acknowledged a past struggle with PTSD and alcohol abuse.
- A recent poll shows Platner with a 4 percentage point lead over Sen. Susan Collins.
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner stated on Thursday that he has 'not once' considered dropping his primary bid, even after new allegations about his past behavior surfaced earlier that day. When asked by Chris Hayes on MS NOW's 'All In' if he had considered withdrawing from the race in the past week, Platner responded unequivocally, 'No, not once.' This statement comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Platner's past, which includes allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking, violent episodes, and controversial past statements. Platner has denied most of these allegations as 'simply not true' and politically motivated, while acknowledging a past struggle with PTSD and alcohol abuse. Analyst Nate Silver also questioned Platner's chances of beating Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) in November, citing a recent poll showing a decrease in his lead over the incumbent. The poll found Platner with a 4 percentage point lead over Collins, reflecting a weakening in his position.