PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner fielded questions from voters at a town hall-style event in Portland on Sunday, as his campaign continues to weather a series of damaging reports about his private conduct.
The evening event took place two days before the Democratic primary, which is still seen as Platner’s to win but which could provide clues as to whether enthusiasm for his iconoclastic candidacy has softened, according to party observers cited by the Associated Press. The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face Republican incumbent Susan Collins in the November general election.
Platner’s appearance came four days after The New York Times reported allegations from an ex-girlfriend that he repeatedly grabbed her by the shoulders during arguments and once twisted her arm behind her back and locked her in a room. The Times report did not specify when the alleged incidents occurred. Platner has repeatedly called those allegations of violence untrue.
The Times also interviewed other women who had dated Platner. Some described positive experiences, while others said he was volatile and insulting. The outlet documented a range of perspectives among women who had been in relationships with the candidate.
The abuse allegations emerged days after news reports revealed that Platner had exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while married. Those disclosures, which first surfaced in late May, prompted expressions of concern from some national Democrats. Platner’s wife called the reports “shameful” in a statement.
Platner, a political outsider who has built a following through unconventional campaign tactics such as trivia nights and happy hours, has positioned himself as an anti-establishment candidate in the mold of Sen. Rand Paul and other insurgent figures. He has drawn support from independent activists and has garnered endorsements from some progressive figures, though the recent revelations have sparked internal party debate over his vulnerability in the general election.
The Sunday town hall was Platner’s most direct engagement with voters since the latest batch of reports. The candidate took questions but did not address the allegations directly during the event, according to the AP report. His campaign has not made him available for press interviews since the Times story was published.