Both candidates are pulling from their campaign funds as they gear up for the primary on June 9. Meanwhile, Collins has kept her spending low, letting outside organizations support her campaign instead.
Expert Ron Schmidt from the University of Southern Maine notes that Collins can afford to wait while her opponents fight each other. She’s been quite successful at leveraging her reputation, which she solidified during her previous elections.
Mills was brought into the race by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, while Platner quickly won the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders after launching his campaign. Platner’s message highlights a disconnect with party leaders and resonates with voters tired of the status quo.
Despite his relative newcomer status, Platner gained traction, drawing large crowds at town halls. However, some criticism surfaced when old social media posts were revealed, sparking controversy around his past remarks. He has acknowledged these posts and expressed regret, framing them as reflections of a troubled time during his service in combat.
Recent polling suggests Platner may be leading Mills in the primary race. For instance, a recent survey from the University of New Hampshire found him ahead, a surprising twist given the initial momentum Mills had.
As the race heats up, Mills has taken a controversial approach, focusing on Platner’s past comments. She claims it’s vital that voters know what he has said, especially as she aims to gather support from women who may be alarmed by his statements.
Platner has responded by holding media briefings where he apologized for his past actions, stating that they do not represent the person he is today. This strategy seems to resonate; he has outspent Mills on advertising significantly, making a strong push to establish himself as the serious contender.
Collins, meanwhile, has an impressive war chest, benefiting from significant contributions by outside groups like One Nation. These groups have focused their ad spending on highlighting her ability to secure federal funding, a staple of her campaign strategy.
As the primary looms closer, the question remains: will the infighting between Mills and Platner hurt their chances against Collins in the general election? Schmidt warns that while attacks can rally primary voters, they might also alienate potential supporters in the larger election. The next few months will be crucial in determining how this battle unfolds and what it means for the Democratic Party in Maine.
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