Replacing Platner

[Bumbles]

For those interested, below is a link explaining the process that will be used to elect a new candidate.


https://mainemorningstar.com/2026/07/10/heres-what-we-know-about-maine-democrats-plan-to-replace-graham-platner/?utm_source=newsletters.mainemorningstar.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=maine-dems-release-convention-details&_bhlid=52fd2a751398d56b06d2a1d0445be0f074df804c

[sop]

1. It sounds like the Maine Democratic party is trying to find an "acceptable" candidate to placate Platner's voters,

while overlooking the overwhelming support Platner enjoyed from both Democrats and a lot of "previously unregistered voters" in Maine.

They're hoping Maine voters will forget that - despite all the many "disqualifying scandals" that were so well publicized before the Senate Democratic primary took place (all but the last unsubstantiated and well-timed accusation) - "Graham Platner received more primary votes than any other Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Maine history...An analysis of state election data show that's more than any of his predecessors going back to 1918 - the first year Maine began electing U.S. Senators by popular vote...His vote share was also significantly more than all eight of the Republican candidates running for governor combined..."

And what hasn't been widely reported is that "an analysis of early absentee data also suggests the combat veteran and oyster farmer may have benefited from the state's second use of semi-open primaries, which allows unenrolled voters to participate in the parties' nomination contests...Seventy-five percent of those voters voted in the Democratic primary....So far, Platner has won every town in Maine except three, Hersey, Moose River and Weston, which went to Gov. Janet Mills."

https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2026-06-11/graham-platner-gets-more-primary-votes-than-any-other-democratic-senate-candidate-in-maine-history

Despite all their wishful thinking, The Maine Democratic Party is whistling past the graveyard if they believe their replacement candidate will enjoy the same kind of support in November.

[Quiet Em]

5. All the Democratic candidates in the primary received record high voting

For one, Maine now holds primaries instead of caucuses, so more voters. Two, Maine now holds open primaries so unaffiliated voters can also participate, and three, there is a huge appetitite to retire Susan Collins.

Maine is going to be fine. Maine Democrats are going to send a Democrat to the Senate in 2026.

[tritsofme]

6. If only Platner hadn't been exposed as a rapist, the Maine Democratic Party wouldn't be in such a predicament.

[Rafi]

7. Platner was trailing Collins in latest poll before the rape accusation..

new polls show any generic Democrat with a lead over Collins. The chances to take the seat have actually improved with Platner out.

[Emile]

2. Platner was forced to step down because of his character. The person who

replaces Platner must have a great character. If this person loses to Susan Collins, will that mean character doesn't matter?

[Kid Berwyn]

3. To Replace Collins

…calls for a person of integrity who is smart, tough, charismatic and can express why it matters to Maine to vote Democratic. If well led and financed, the marketing team can make him or her well known in three months.

[LisaL]

4. Add to that, three months is plenty of time.

Some states haven't had their primaries yet.