Platner clinches Maine Dem Senate bid amid past scandals

Marine veteran Graham Platner won the Maine Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate despite a string of personal scandals, mounting support from progressives and a message focused on healthcare costs and economic hardship, setting up a November challenge to Republican incumbent Susan Collins. His campaign, framed as redemption, relied on the party's tolerance for private missteps if the candidate can deliver on policy priorities for working-class Mainers, though some Democrats worry the baggage could hurt in a national race.