Maine's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate has apparently become an exercise in asking voters, "How much can we get away with this time?" The presumptive nominee, Graham Platner, is a candidate whose resume includes no elected office, an unfortunate Nazi tattoo he says he didn't recognize, a series of angry Reddit rants, and - as revealed by his own wife - a sexting habit involving multiple women (six by his campaign's count, a dozen according to an ex-aide). His wife, Amy Gertner, caught him in late 2023 and, in a twist that redefines "supportive spouse," disclosed this to his campaign herself. Her defense? He sent the texts "in the early days of our marriage," which is apparently supposed to make it better, not worse.
Meanwhile, Governor Janet Mills - who suspended her primary bid in April due to a cash shortfall and concerns that at 78 she's too old and old-school - has the audacity to be a competent, experienced leader. A former state attorney general and district attorney, Mills made unpopular but life-saving decisions during COVID, leading Maine to some of the best health and economic outcomes in the country. She won reelection by a historic margin and wears L.L. Bean duck boots to her inaugurations. But Democrats, still suffering from Joe Biden - related PTSD, seem to think she's too boring - or too old - compared to a charismatic populist with a scandal portfolio.
Party leaders are engaging in a masterclass of willful blindness. Senator Bernie Sanders advises focusing on "important issues" like gas prices. Senator Elizabeth Warren prefers to discuss the "price of gasoline." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer met with Platner amid the sexting fallout, declaring, "We're going to beat Susan Collins and take back the Senate." Republicans are so worried they're already outspending Democrats two-to-one. But as Mills reminded voters last Sunday, her name is still on the ballot. The primary is Tuesday, and Mainers have a chance to say, "We don't have to do this again."