Washington Examiner economics columnist Tiana Lowe Doescher said Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) could remain a viable candidate in Maine if Democrats do not nominate another socialist to replace Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, who recently dropped out of the race.
“Susan Collins, I think, is still a safe bet for that Maine Senate race, which is really important if Democrats want to pick up control of the Senate,” Doescher said on Fox Business’s Mornings with Maria Thursday.
Platner dropped out of the race on Wednesday, posting on X, “We’re suspending campaign operations.”
Platner’s exit came after more allegations came out that he sexually assaulted and raped past girlfriends.
Platner denied any validity to the claims, which he said were only designed to derail his campaign. He said the suspension was “because of the structures that are being taken away from us by those in power.”
Doescher said she thinks the Senate could be safe for Republicans to maintain a majority since voters may see past socialist candidates.
“They [Democrats] could be locked out [of the Senate] for a very long time if this round of midterms don’t go well,” Doescher said.
Doescher said the Democratic Socialists of America could seek to back another candidate that aligns with the organization’s priorities.
“Even though Graham Platner is technically gone, this nominating convention could wind up with another DSA crazy, and voters need to pay attention across the country because Graham Platner, that was the Bernie hand-picked, AOC, Zohran Mamdani, next shining star for that movement. That is what the Democrats are going to want to do in 2028.
“They’re going to try this DSA thing, so pay attention to what that is.”