Maine Oysterman Platner Returns to Work After Senate Exit

Graham Platner is back on the water in Sullivan, Maine, a week before the midterm election. He paddled to shore on a kayak, leaving his boat anchored in the bay. The former state Senate candidate, who withdrew in July over sexual misconduct allegations, now works as an oysterman. He told reporters he is simply "being an oyster farmer." He declined to offer predictions for the Nov. 3 vote.

Platner’s campaign was built on a working-class image. He was the son of a prominent local family and attended a prestigious prep school in New England. His oyster business had only one client: his mother’s restaurant. He admitted to sexting but denied other serious accusations. He claimed a conspiracy aimed to stop his message. He also revealed a Nazi Death’s Head tattoo on his chest. He said he got it while drunk with fellow Marines. He attributed his online writings about rape and police to PTSD.

The local reaction to his return is mixed. Josh Winer, the owner of the Dunbar Store deli, said Platner looks healthier now. The deli menu features a roast beef sandwich named after him. Winer noted that Platner has been a regular for years. He said they talk about oysters and that life has returned to normal. Platner’s downtown office is currently shuttered and emptied out. A local fruit seller said he is not a favorite among women in the town. She advised people to just drop it.

Some voters who initially supported Platner changed their minds after the misconduct claims surfaced. Allan Flye, a 59-year-old maintenance worker, said the negativity was a turn-off. He said he might have voted for Platner if there was less negative coverage. Flye added that Platner probably tarnished himself more than the town was affected. Mary, a local voter, said she planned to vote for Platner until he was removed from the race. She said she would vote for his replacement but is not voting Republican.

State Sen. Troy Jackson replaced Platner in the race. He is competing against Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate Republican who has served since 1997. Platner was polling seven points ahead of Collins before his exit. Jackson has faced a harder path since taking over the seat. RealClearPolitics polls show Jackson leading Collins by less than two points. The race remains close as election day approaches. Platner’s departure left the Democratic party to manage a tight contest in a key northern state.

Platner’s time in the spotlight was brief but intense. He was beloved by leading leftists in Washington. He was soaring in the polls before the allegations broke. He later covered his tattoo and explained his past online comments. His neighbors in Sullivan described a man who seemed to be doing better after returning to his daily routine. He drives off in his truck when questions become too personal. He maintains a low profile in his hometown. The focus now shifts to the final stretch of the campaign for Jackson and Collins.