General Discussion

“Personal growth is not a disqualification from public life,” said Valerie Tate of Belfast, who noted that Platner’s story of recovery from combat-related PTSD and associated issues reminded her of the “high-achieving, compassionate, hard-working people” she encountered during years in 12-step recovery programs.

“Graham and Amy have been doing the work,” Tate said. “That is not a scandal. That is integrity.”

Eileen and Paul Morelli said they are more concerned with policy issues that will actually affect people’s lives. “None of us is married to Graham Platner; gossip is gossip, even if they put it in The New York Times and Wall Street Journal,” they wrote.

Joline Godfrey of St. George said friends email her questioning her judgment in supporting Platner every time there are new stories, but she said the stakes are too high to let Collins win again.

“She effectively helped kill Roe v. Wade,” Godfrey said, referring to Collins’ votes to confirm Supreme Court justices appointed by President Donald Trump who overturned the constitutional right to abortion. “I am voting for Graham Platner. A flawed, smart, passionate — pro-democracy, weirdly feminist — advocate for justice and equity.”

Marilyn Boyer also said she still supports Platner. “This is a scandal only if the media make it into one,” she said.