The campaign team for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner sent a memo on Wednesday outlining its strategy to support the candidate following a recent scandal. The memo indicates that Platner's campaign plans to emphasize his polling lead over incumbent Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), a successful fundraising week, and continued support from Maine voters despite reports of Platner sending sexual texts to multiple women during his marriage.
The campaign asserts that Collins is "losing her grip" on Maine voters due to a lack of focus on key issues. The memo states, "This is a race against an incumbent losing her grip on voters who put her there. Maine is focused on the cost of living and whether it still trusts Susan Collins. Across the board — the poll numbers, the fundraising, the conversations with voters — all signs point in our favor."
A Public Policy Polling survey conducted after the scandal found Platner leading Collins by 4 points in a head-to-head matchup, with 49% support for Platner and 45% for Collins. The survey included 670 registered voters in Maine, with approximately 6% undecided. However, this lead has decreased from a previous poll conducted in May, which showed Platner ahead by 9 points.
The recent poll also assessed voter preferences after presenting negative information about both candidates. Despite the negative information regarding Platner's texting scandal and Collins' past allegations of using her position to benefit her husband's company, surveyed voters still favored Platner by a 4-point margin.
The campaign reported an 18% increase in small-dollar donations following the controversy, with a 27% increase attributed to Maine voters. The memo suggests that Maine voters remain focused on Platner's platform, stating, "They care that you’re fighting for their hospitals, their wages, their housing, and their kids. This campaign has always been about the ideas that will move Maine forward."
The memo follows Platner's meeting with national party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who reaffirmed the party's commitment to unseating Collins.