Graham Platner, the frontrunner in Maine's Democratic Senate primary, is traveling to Washington on Tuesday to meet with party senators, according to two people with knowledge of the visit. The trip comes as he faces intense scrutiny over allegations that he sent sexually explicit text messages to multiple women in 2023.
The meetings will give Democratic senators a direct opportunity to question Platner about the messaging scandal, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey has already signaled his skepticism, telling ABC News over the weekend that Platner "has questions to answer."
Democrats are increasingly worried about Platner's standing in what party leaders view as a critical Senate race. The persistent questions about his personal conduct have created uncertainty about whether the campaign will face additional revelations or whether this marks the extent of the damage.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer had previously backed Gov. Janet Mills in the race, but she suspended her campaign last month, clearing the field. Platner is also scheduled to attend fundraisers during his Washington visit, including one hosted by Ron Klain, a former chief of staff to President Biden.
Platner has not outright denied the core allegations. His campaign acknowledged the text messages existed but disputed how they have been characterized. A campaign official said Platner is frustrated by what he views as sensationalization of "several private facts relayed by a former confidante to journalists."
In a statement Sunday, Platner said he and his wife Amy Gertner have worked through a difficult period. "Amy and I went through something hard, because of me. We did the work, and I'm grateful for her every hour of every day," he said. Gertner issued her own statement acknowledging the strain of being newly married while navigating infertility issues and a Senate campaign simultaneously.
Author James Rodriguez: "Senate Democrats clearly aren't ready to write Platner off yet, but the Tuesday meetings suggest they're taking his vulnerabilities seriously before investing more heavily in a race they can't afford to lose."
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