“They don’t know Maine,” Graham Platner said during one of his campaign rallies, and I instantly wanted to get this printed on a T-shirt. 

As it turns out, “they,” meaning national Democrats, don’t really don’t know Maine. After Platner was accused of sexual assault, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee flatly refused to further finance his campaign. Though Platner wholly denies the accusation, he was forced to suspend.

Graham Platner received more votes in the Democratic primary than any candidate in Maine history. Why? Because Mainers recognized his deep, real commitment to Maine people and his determination to make change. One wonders if his passion for making a difference is truly what unnerved the DNC. They certainly didn’t want a maverick, no matter how popular. For now, we have Senate candidate Troy Jackson, a politician who smiles a banal, bland smile and mouths the platitudes we’ve all heard countless times. I can’t listen without yawning or rolling my eyes. 

I hope Maine sends a Democrat to the Senate, but I doubt Jackson has much potential for winning crossover votes when enthusiasm from his own party is so flaccid. What I wish most strongly is that Mainers would unite, unleash their fierce independent nature, and bring Graham Platner back. 

Monika McLaughlin
Winthrop