Maine Governor Janet Mills Attacks Primary Rival in New Ad

Mills Launches Scathing Ad Against Primary Challenger

Maine Governor Janet Mills has launched a sharp new campaign advertisement targeting her Democratic primary opponent, Graham Plattner. The ad, released ahead of the June 9th primary, focuses on controversial past statements made by Plattner on social media regarding rape and women. This move signals a more aggressive strategy from Mills as she seeks to secure the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins.

Ad Highlights Plattner’s Controversial Reddit Posts

The campaign ad features several women from Maine reacting to offensive comments Plattner allegedly made on Reddit in the early 2010s. One particularly disturbing quote attributed to Plattner suggests that women worried about rape should avoid getting “so f***ed up they wind up having sex with someone they don’t mean to.” Another quote advises women to “act like an adult for f*** sake” to avoid rape. The ad strongly criticizes these remarks, calling them “disgusting” and “disqualifying.”

“The ad shares important quotes that many women not just in Maine but around the country have been reacting to processing through the course of this campaign,” a campaign representative stated.

Questions Raised About Ad’s Featured Participants

While the ad aims to highlight Plattner’s perceived unsuitability for office, questions have arisen regarding the individuals featured. Some reports suggest that several of the women shown reacting in the ad are actually Democratic operatives. This detail has led to scrutiny over the ad’s authenticity and whether it represents a broader base of voter concern or a carefully curated campaign tactic.

Governor Mills defended the ad’s content, emphasizing that Plattner’s statements are a matter of public record and that voters deserve to know the character of their potential representatives. She also noted her own history as a survivor of domestic violence and her commitment to women’s rights. Mills stated that her experience as the first woman district attorney, attorney general, and governor in Maine gives her a unique perspective on breaking down barriers for women.

Mills Defends Her Own Candidacy Amidst Age and Transparency Concerns

The interview also touched upon concerns regarding Governor Mills’ age and transparency about her health. At 79, Mills would be the oldest freshman senator in history if elected. When asked about releasing her medical records, her campaign stated they would only do so if both Plattner and Senator Collins agreed to the same. Mills addressed this by pointing to her seven and a half years as governor, arguing that her fitness to serve is evident through her work and public presence.

She also stated her intention to serve only one term if elected to the Senate. “I want to hit the ground running, take my experience and commitment and courage to the United States Senate and get the job done,” Mills explained. She also drew a parallel to President Biden’s health concerns, referencing a period where she, like other Democratic governors, privately urged him to reconsider his re-election bid after a difficult debate. Mills acknowledged that while she felt his decision to run again was “sad” at the time, she ultimately respected his choice. She stressed that she is personally ready for the Senate race, possessing the necessary physical and mental ability, along with extensive governing experience.

Mills Assesses Electability and the Path to Defeating Collins

Mills expressed confidence in her ability to defeat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in the general election. She contrasted her own proven record in winning statewide elections with Plattner’s lack of experience. “We’ve put untested people up against her before and it hasn’t worked,” Mills stated, referring to past challenges against Collins. She highlighted her victories in previous tough races, including defeating Governor Paul LePage by 13 points. Mills believes her experience as governor and attorney general, coupled with her willingness to stand up to Donald Trump, makes her a formidable candidate.

Despite current polling that suggests Plattner is leading in the primary, Mills remains optimistic. She described the race as competitive and believes she can win by showcasing her record and contrasting it with Plattner’s lack of accomplishments. Mills asserted that Plattner has numerous vulnerabilities that would be exploited by Republicans in the general election, making him a less electable candidate than herself. She concluded by stating her readiness to compete against both Plattner in the primary and Collins in the general election, confident in her ability to deliver results for Maine voters.

Looking Ahead: Primary Decision and General Election Battle

As Maine voters prepare to cast their ballots in the Democratic primary on June 9th, the focus remains on whether Governor Mills’ aggressive campaign tactics will pay off. The outcome of the primary will determine who faces Senator Susan Collins in what is shaping up to be a closely watched general election. The effectiveness of Mills’ attacks on Plattner, coupled with her own responses to questions about her fitness and transparency, will be critical factors in the unfolding race for the U.S. Senate.

Source: MUST SEE: Maine governor goes hard at Senate primary challenger with new campaign ad. (YouTube)