Graham Plater to Speak at Labor Day Rally Post-Campaign Exit

Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Plater is scheduled to be the featured speaker at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth, Maine, marking one of his first public appearances since he ended his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Platner withdrew from the race in July after Politico reported an allegation of sexual assault by a former girlfriend. Platner denied the accusation but stated he was stepping aside to focus on the importance of defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins. He has maintained a low profile since leaving the race.

The event, titled “Labor Day Rally for Labor,” is organized by the Hancock County Activists and will take place at Ellsworth City Hall. According to a notice on the Hancock County Democrats' website, the rally is intended to kick off a series of events leading up to the primaries. Plater is expected to discuss the history of unions and the role of organized labor in communities and the nation.

Carol Leonard, who works with the community organization group Acadia Action, which is also helping to host the event, confirmed that Platner spoke at the rally last year. She stated that Platner is not expected to address his campaign during this appearance, but rather focus on the labor movement.

The Maine Democratic Party has stated that the event is not being hosted or organized by the Hancock County Democratic Committee and has no affiliation with the state party.

Following Platner's withdrawal, the state party convened a special convention and nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson to challenge Sen. Collins.

The Maine Republican Party criticized the Democrats for Platner's speaking engagement. Kristina Parker, a spokeswoman for the Maine Republican Party, said in a statement that if Platner is considered a "heroic leader" by Democrats, then the party is out of touch with Maine voters and that voters were "disgusted" by Platner's actions.

Platner, 41, is an oyster farmer and combat veteran. His campaign had focused on working-class issues such as housing and healthcare costs. Earlier in his campaign, media reports also surfaced regarding sexually explicit text messages exchanged with women while he was married, and a tattoo identified as a Nazi symbol, which he later covered.

Platner grew up in Sullivan, a small town near Ellsworth.