Polls Show Tight Race Between Platner and Collins

Graham Platner Leads Narrowly in Polls

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner holds a slight advantage over incumbent Republican Susan Collins, according to a recent poll released on Monday. Platner, a 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is currently in the spotlight amid allegations of physicality from former romantic partners. He has firmly denied these accusations, attributing them to political motives. This development comes as Platner is set to contest against David Costello in the Maine primary on Tuesday, upon which the winner will face Collins in the general election.

Details of the Recent Poll

Tavern Research conducted the poll, showing Platner with 51 percent and Collins with 49 percent. The survey was carried out between June 5 and June 8, with participation from 1,642 Maine residents, and has a margin of error of 2.8 percent. In a different question, a generic Democratic candidate led Collins 55 percent to 45 percent.

Candidate Favorability Ratings

Platner holds a favorability rating of 42 percent, with 51 percent viewing him unfavorably. For Collins, the figures are 41 percent favorable and 57 percent unfavorable.

Allegations Against Platner

Recent allegations have brought Platner’s past into question. Lyndsey Fifield, a former girlfriend, accused Platner of physically threatening behavior over a decade ago. She detailed incidents where he allegedly twisted her arm and blocked her exit during an argument. Fifield emphasized that though she was hurt, no injuries were caused. She stated he had never hit or punched her. The New York Times, which reported these allegations, could not independently corroborate them and faced criticism from Fifield over the portrayal of her account.

“We published accounts from several women who were in romantic relationships with Graham Platner. Our story accurately presents each of these accounts and adheres to our standards,” a spokesperson for the Times defended.

At a recent rally in Bar Harbor, Maine, Platner expressed gratitude to supporters, acknowledging their support during this scrutiny. He mentioned past remarks he made public about his PTSD and recovery journey.

Other Poll Findings

A Public Policy Polling survey indicates Platner is ahead by 4 points, leading Collins 49 percent to 45 percent among registered Maine voters, with 6 percent undecided. This survey occurred after reports of sexually explicit messages surfaced and has a 3.8 percent margin of error. In another poll by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, Platner led with 51 percent over Collins’ 42 percent, with this poll taken before these allegations were reported.