At first debate, candidates asked: What was Platner’s best idea?
Democratic candidates vying to replace Graham Platner on Maine’s U.S. Senate ballot held their first debate Thursday night, a contest that opened with a question illustrating the tension still shadowing the race: What was Platner’s best idea?
The question reflected the challenge facing candidates as they work to retain voters drawn to Platner’s progressive base while shifting the campaign’s focus to Republican incumbent Susan Collins. The Associated Press described the task as “a delicate balance for the candidates, who are vying to face Collins in a contest that could decide control of the Senate as Platner’s shadow hangs over the race.”
Moving past Platner is one of several hurdles confronting Democrats, according to the AP. The party is using a process it has never employed before to pick a new nominee, giving candidates less than three weeks to accomplish what typically takes campaigns months or years, including organizing volunteers, raising money, and preparing for debates.
“The whiplash many of the candidates are facing was on display Thursday,” the AP reported.
Maine Democrats will select their replacement nominee at a convention July 25, as MSI previously reported. The race carries national significance in the battle for Senate control.