By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Democratic lawmakers and party figures are escalating criticism of Graham Platner, the presumptive Democratic nominee in Maine’s US Senate race, as questions mount over past statements, alleged antisemitic associations, and a tattoo that critics say resembled a Nazi symbol.
After Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ decision not to enter the race against Sen. Susan Collins, a renewed debate arose within Democratic circles over whether Platner is a viable candidate.
Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a Massachusetts Democrat who is Jewish, renewed his objections during a CNN interview Monday, calling Platner unfit for office because of the tattoo controversy.
“I’ve been clear about Graham Platner. I find that tattoo and his commentary about it to be personally disqualifying,” Auchincloss said Monday. “I hope Maine voters agree with me.”
Platner’s chest previously featured a skull-and-crossbones tattoo that resembled an SS symbol before it was covered up last fall after images of the design spread online.
Platner, a Marine Corps veteran, said he received the tattoo during a tour in Croatia.
The candidate has also faced criticism over other incidents tied to antisemitism allegations.
Platner drew scrutiny after participating in a podcast interview hosted by Nate Cornacchia, who has shared antisemitic and conspiratorial material online.
His campaign later faced backlash after mistakenly reposting content from Stew Peters, identified in the provided material as an antisemitic influencer. The post was subsequently deleted.
Additional criticism followed the resurfacing of past Reddit comments attributed to Platner in which critics said he praised Hamas tactics and used language echoing antisemitic tropes.
The growing dispute over Platner’s candidacy has fueled broader concerns among Democrats about divisions between the party’s moderate and progressive wings.
Melissa DeRosa, former chief of staff to former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said the Maine Senate contest reflected deeper internal tensions.
“The main race really demonstrates the civil war that’s happening within the Democratic Party, and there are a lot of Democrats, moderate Democrats like myself, who will not cry tears should we lose Maine,” DeRosa told Fox News host Bret Baier. “I mean, that would be a pickup to begin with.”
