Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner recently covered a tattoo that bore resemblance to a symbol associated with Nazi iconography, amidst a tumultuous period in the high-stakes Democratic primary race. Platner, a first-time political contender and oyster farmer, confirmed on Wednesday that he had the tattoo, which he acquired in 2007 during his time in the Marine Corps, covered following recent public attention and criticism.
The tattoo, which Platner said was inked during a night out in Croatia, unknowingly to him had connections to the Nazi police. This recent development is but one of several controversies that have plagued his campaign since Governor Janet Mills entered the race with support from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Mills' candidacy is seen as a strategic move by Democrats aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who has served for nearly three decades.
Platner's campaign, which began in August, faced increased scrutiny following Mills' entrance. His past has been dissected in the public eye, including old internet posts, a video showing him inebriated in his underwear, and his now-modified tattoo. Another Democratic candidate responded to the tattoo controversy by releasing a photo of his own tattoo of former President Barack Obama's campaign logo in an apparent act of solidarity.
The situation intensified when details about Platner's past began to surface, including contentious online statements and behavior. Platner has vehemently disputed these revelations, framing them as targeted attacks from establishment Democrats who do not favor his candidacy. Despite the pressure, he has affirmed his determination to persist in the race.
Initially, Platner indicated intentions to remove the tattoo entirely, but due to limited resources in rural Maine, he opted to cover it with a new design. The replacement tattoo, completed late Tuesday, features a Celtic knot with a dog-like creature, a symbol without known controversial associations.
During a WGME-TV interview and on social media, Platner revealed the new tattoo design, expressing frustration that the tattoo controversy was overshadowing the issues important to him and Maine voters. He noted that during his 20 years with the tattoo, its questionable symbolism had never been raised, even while serving in the Army and undergoing background checks for security clearances.
The tattoo debate comes amid other problematic revelations for Platner, such as deleted online comments that showed insensitivity towards military sexual assault victims, disparaging remarks about various demographics, and use of homophobic slurs. Platner has apologized for these past statements, attributing them to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression after leaving the Army in 2012. Despite calls for his withdrawal from the race, Platner has secured an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders, who views him as a more viable option than Mills.
