Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner draws criticism and defense in Maine race

Rep. Debbie Dingell defended Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner during a CNN interview, saying she has “some issues with him” because of past remarks but that voters in Maine chose him and that maintaining checks on the executive is a higher priority. She contrasted the controversy around Platner with what she described as more serious concerns involving the Trump administration and urged respect for the democratic nomination process.

Republican Sen. John Kennedy responded by accusing Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of “taking orders from the Graham Platner wing” of the party. Kennedy portrayed Platner as representing an extreme faction, demanding release of private messages and linking the candidate to alleged inappropriate comments, in an effort to pressure Democratic leadership ahead of the Maine Senate race.