The dark horse in Maine’s Democrat U.S. Senate primary went full bore on Christmas for his last, big end-of-year money grab.
Graham Platner said in his Facebook ad that he needs to post big numbers by the December 31 federal-filing deadline.
Platner, identifying himself as “an oyster farmer and Marine Corps veteran” in the primary against Gov. Janet Mills seeking to oust GOP Sen. Susan Collins, seemed to imply the perception is actually more important than the amount.
“Our fundraising numbers and everything we’ve been building together is about to become public,” he said. “Our numbers are going to be closely scrutinized and compared to what Collins reports.”
Platner’s suggestion is that for “every reporter and political pundit, and the entire Democratic and Republican establishment” he needs to come out of December 31 showing he’s not just a flash in the pan.
He called Collins “the most vulnerable Republican senator in the country, who needs to be sent packing.”
In his ad, Platner barely mentioned Mills, the two-term governor who is either beating or losing to him, depending on the poll and which way the wind is blowing.
If Mills or Collins is as anxious as Platner, it certainly wasn’t evident in their holiday Facebook posts — though Mills changed course on Monday, telling prospective donors she had “bad, worse and UGLY news” about her financial plight.
This came days after Mills posted on Christmas eve saying “I hope tonight brings warmth, comfort, and time together with the people you love.🎄” Then on Christmas she said she was “grateful for this state and for our people who show up for one another every day.”
On December 26, Mills posted an ad asking for signatures of support but a seeming majority of Facebook comments urged her to step aside for the much-younger Platner.
Collins, conversely, stayed sentimental, posting on X, “Tom, Pepper, and I wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a holiday season filled with love, joy, and quality time with friends and family!” (Pepper would be her dog.)
