Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) pointed out past derogatory comments made by her Senate primary opponent, Graham Platner, in a new attack ad as the two vie for the Democratic nomination in Maine.
The 30-second ad, released by Mills’s campaign on Tuesday, highlighted Platner’s online remarks about victims of rape and sexual assault.
In one Reddit post from 2013, Platner wrote that women worried about rape should “not get so f***ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.” Besides commenting on women’s drinking, he commented in another 2013 Reddit post that women should “act like an adult for f***’s sake” to avoid rape.
Four different women who appeared in the ad strongly condemned the posts, calling them “disgusting” and “disqualifying.”
“He’s a bully,” one said. “This guy gives off a vibe,” another chimed in, adding she would not vote for Platner in Maine’s primary election on June 9.
Toward the end of the video, an SS skull tattoo is seen on a shirtless Platner. The Nazi tattoo controversy rocked his campaign last fall when the footage resurfaced. As the years-old footage plays, the narrator of the ad says, “The closer you look, the worse it gets.”
The negative ad marks Mills’s first attempt to attack Platner over his past. She has primarily focused on what she would do for Maine voters if elected to the Senate, but the latest ad marks a shift in her campaign’s messaging. It is possible she will sponsor more attack ads as the primary nears.
In response, Platner reiterated an apology he made to state residents last year.
“Back in October, when my past internet comments resurfaced, I read through them,” the oyster farmer posted on X. “I was horrified and did not recognize the man on the other side of the posts.
“I shared my thoughts and apologies here directly with Mainers. And I’ve been talking with Mainers every day since, at town halls across the state. I’m eternally grateful for the people of Maine who welcomed me home, made me the man I am today, and have now built this beautiful campaign alongside me.”
Platner campaign manager Ben Chin also responded to the ad: “This is nothing more than a desperate attempt for relevance from the governor.”
Mills is finishing her second term as governor. Her Senate campaign has received high-profile endorsements from established Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
Although he is at a disadvantage as a political newcomer, Platner has been endorsed by Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), both of whom represent the more progressive wing of the Democratic Party. The 41-year-old rookie candidate is also seen by some voters as a younger and more viable alternative to the 78-year-old governor. If elected, Mills plans to serve only one six-year term.
Both contenders are seeking to replace Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who decided to run for a sixth term last month. She is 73.
SECOND SENATOR ENDORSES GRAHAM PLATNER IN MAINE SENATE BATTLE
Platner’s campaign also released an ad on Tuesday, but his video was more positive. It featured a humorous moment in which a Maine woman with the same name as the Republican incumbent put her support behind Platner.
“I’ve been endorsed by Susan Collins. No, not that Susan Collins,” Platner said. “Proud to be endorsed by this Susan Collins and Mainers all across our state ready to send that Susan Collins packing.”