I have a theory.

[Bumbles]

First, I confess that I am a Mainer and I voted for Graham.

Now, to the theory. I believe Graham will win in a landslide against Collins. Below are some key points.

- Platner received over 152,000 votes, marking this the highest number of primary votes for any Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Maine's history.
- His vote share surpassed that of all eight Republican candidates running for governor combined, even though Republicans saw their largest voter turnout since 1994.
- Platner won in every town in Maine except for three.
- He took about 72% of the votes in the Democratic primary.

In order for him too have performed this well, those who normally might not have voted for him, did - older women and younger women perhaps appalled by his behavior but able to bypass it considering the realities of a life lived hard. The utter dislike of Collins certainly helped.

I believe that in the general election, "light" MAGA men will vote for Graham. They will be able to identify with him and the life he has lived in Maine, maybe even with his "roughness." Their spouses and girlfriends will follow since that seems to be their tendency. I think even "normal" Republican women, being influenced by the men in their lives who I believe will support Graham, will vote for him. Certainly military members, current and past, will vote for him, identifying with his service to our country.

Lots of money has and will be thrown at this race to try to keep the seat. Collins has had it easy over the years. I wonder if she's up to what's coming her way.

Graham's quick, intelligent, well spoken and not afraid of a fight. Bring it on!

[ananda]

1. Thank you!

I know he's flawed (who isn't?)..

but I really like him.

I hope he wins!!!!

[Bumbles]

2. I believe he will.

[Amaryllis]

3. Above all, he speaks truth to power. Calmly, matter of factly. Ya can't argue with that.

[hlthe2b]

4. I think so too and I did have apprehensions, but he is so articulate and quick that he's

been handling the attacks from the organized MAGATs and RW like a champ. I see it being effective.

So, I hope we are both right.

[-misanthroptimist]

5. Like you, I'm a Mainer

And I agree with everything you said.

[patphil]

6. When I heard him speak, I knew he was to one to win that seat.

I'm from New York State, so I don't get to vote for him, but I'm confident he'll make short work of Susan Collins.

[WinstonSmith4740]

7. "and not afraid of a fight."

That pretty much sums it up for me. It's been Dem's problem for years, and they really need to get over it. People like Graham have recognized that we are not dealing with rational people. There can be no "You've got a point, let's see what we can agree on" with this cabal. They hate Democracy, are dead set on destroying it, and I think people like Platner can stop them. John Boehner said during Bush 2 (?) "Our idea of cooperation is the Democrats doing what we want." Nothing has changed, in fact, it's gotten worse. Dems have to learn to come out swinging, and Platner has.

And just WHO are Republicans to throw issues of "morality" at this guy? At least his partners were consenting adults.

[peppertree]

8. I just love the smell of concern in the morning

[wyn borkins]

9. And Yet There Are The Monied

Nearly 100 Billionaires and their spouses have donated to reelect Susan Collins
(By Josh Keefe maine monitor.org) (11 June 2026)

The level of billionaire funding shows how the race, which could decide control of the U.S. Senate, has drawn interest and funding from some of the wealthiest people in the world.

[Bumbles]

10. I'm so disappointed to see Melinda French-Gates' name among billionaire donors.

I wonder if someone talked with her one-on-one if she would "see the light."

[paleotn]

13. At some point the money provides diminishing returns. And might actually become a liability if they overdo it.

The message resonating with common folks overwhelms the spend no matter how many attack ads they run or how many paid door knockers they hire. If they overdo it, which may just happen with this kind of cash, it can tend to have the opposite effect. People rally around Platner and the message despite it and to a degree because of it. They begin to see it for what it is since many view him as one of their own.

Since Mills stood down, all this op research was Republican driven since Collins would much rather face Mills or at least sow deep dissension among Dems. But it had no effect. In fact, it seems it strengthened his campaign. The story behind his struggles made him feel even more real and one of their own. The turnout was huge for a midterm primary. And the margin of victory was overwhelming.

[PatrickforB]

11. I loved the guy's response when Trumpy called him a 'thug.' It was excellent! n/t

[BidenRocks]

12. I would pay to see Plattner fight Kegsbreath!

Let's do that this weekend.
Then Obama vs Chump!

Fuck 250 and Fuck chump!

[Brenda]

14. I like Platner but wow, stop the sexist crap

Spouses and girlfriends in Maine will follow their male's lead?

And even "normal republican women" will...

[Bumbles]

15. I didn't mean to offend you with my observation.

[senseandsensibility]

16. Have debates between Platner and Collins been scheduled?

I'd watch all the way from California.

[applegrove]

17. I didn't realize how much he was drinking and abusing

Last edited Sat Jun 13, 2026, 02:52 AM - Edit history (1)

alcohol. I can't imagine what ptsd due to military service in a war zone is like, i have it due to harrassment. I continue to worry about him as a candidate because he does remind me of Fetterman. And I'm tired of charismatic populists who have sketchy pasts like Trump. But I'm a little less afraid now that I know most of his story.