Platner dropped out after former girlfriend’s allegation, which he denies
Graham Platner, the former Maine Democratic Senate nominee, is scheduled as the featured speaker at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, in what may be one of his first public appearances since ending his campaign in July. The event, titled “Labor Day Rally for Labor,” is organized by Hancock County Activists and planned for Ellsworth City Hall near Platner’s hometown, according to a notice on the Hancock County Democrats’ website.
The notice states the rally “will kick off a series of events leading up to the primaries, with musical performances and featured speaker Graham Platner, who will talk about the history of unions and the important role organized labor has played in our communities and our country.”
Platner won Maine’s Democratic primary for the right to challenge veteran Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He withdrew from the race in July, after Politico reported that a former girlfriend alleged he had sexually assaulted her. Platner has denied the allegation.
When he announced his exit, Platner said he was stepping aside because of the importance of defeating Collins.
The Ellsworth rally appears to be among his first scheduled public appearances since he ended his Senate bid. The event is organized by Hancock County Activists, with the announcement distributed through the Hancock County Democrats’ website.