Democrats in Maine: A New Senate Candidate

Fox News correspondent Alexis McAdams reports from Bangor, Maine, on the Democratic Party’s selection of Troy Jackson as their new Senate candidate. This decision follows the withdrawal of Graham Platner from the race, igniting a rush to find a replacement.

Maine’s newly selected Democratic Senate nominee is striving to gain support from the voters of his predecessor, who faced scandals. Jackson’s goal is to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. However, Jackson confronted a dilemma when he withdrew his endorsement of Platner due to allegations of sexual assault.

Jackson’s Challenge

Initially, Jackson and Platner endorsed one another, with Jackson running for governor while Platner aimed for the Senate seat. Jackson supported Platner through various scandals until the assault allegation ended Platner’s campaign. Now, Jackson seeks favor with Platner’s progressive base to combat the experienced Collins.

“I wish nothing would have happened with Graham,” Jackson shared in Belfast, Maine, a key area for Platner’s supporters. “I didn’t want people looking for someone to fight for them to feel broken and hopeless.”

Jackson has begun reconnecting with Platner’s base after initially distancing himself due to the controversy.

Republican Response

National Republicans criticized Jackson for attempting to rally Platner’s supporters. Bernadette Breslin, spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, accused Jackson of capitalizing on Platner’s troubled legacy to boost his campaign.

Policy Alignment and Past Endorsements

Jackson and Platner shared platforms, particularly on labor issues. Platner endorsed Jackson wholeheartedly, even ranking him first on his ballot during an event in May.

The connection between the two candidates extended to their policies and the importance of organized labor in politics, highlighted by Platner in a video shared by the Maine AFL-CIO.

Scandals Surrounding Jackson

Jackson himself faces scrutiny over his behavior, including a water bottle-throwing incident and past police records involving accusations of assault.

Sen. Susan Collins refrained from commenting on Jackson’s past police record but noted his reported temper issues.

Potential Write-In Candidacy

Efforts to register Platner as a write-in candidate have been discussed, although the deadline passed without Platner submitting his name. A website promoting this initiative was launched alongside op-eds in local publications advocating for Platner’s write-in registration despite Maine law.

Scott Niemi argued in the Bangor Daily News that writing in Platner would send a message to establishment Democrats regarding voter authority and pointed to Maine’s ranked-choice voting system as a strategy to keep the seat competitive.