Former Maine Governor Paul LePage, the Republican nominee in Maine's 2nd Congressional District, asserts that his Democratic rival, Matt Dunlap, "miscalculated" by aligning himself too closely with Graham Platner, whose Senate campaign was derailed by multiple scandals.
LePage, aiming to unseat the incumbent Democrat in a largely rural district that previously supported Donald Trump, is leveraging Platner's controversies to attack Dunlap. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has also targeted this race, crucial for determining the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
"Way, way too close to Platner. Way too close to Bernie. Way too close to AOC. That whole gang," LePage stated, referencing Dunlap's association with Platner, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Platner, a populist Democrat who garnered support from Sanders and other progressive figures, had been challenging Republican Senator Susan Collins. His campaign ended after reports surfaced alleging rape, following earlier revelations of inflammatory online comments and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
Dunlap's campaign manager, Harry Burke, dismissed LePage's criticisms as "desperate and weak." Burke also pointed to past scrutiny LePage faced regarding his use of a Florida homestead tax break while serving as Maine's governor.
Republicans have sought to use Platner's baggage against Democrats who endorsed or defended him. Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters stated, "Every Democrat that endorsed Graham Platner endorsed a rapist, and every Democrat that stayed silent was complicit."
Dunlap had endorsed Platner and appeared with him at a campaign event prior to the primary. Days before Platner's withdrawal, Dunlap issued a statement calling the allegations "serious" and urging Platner to "withdraw from the race for Senate."
The NRCC spokeswoman, Maureen O'Toole, criticized Dunlap, stating, "Out of touch freak Matt Dunlap might be okay with Nazi lovers and men who abuse women, but in November, he'll see for himself that Mainers aren't. Dunlap's embrace of this vile human is disqualifying."
Democrats, however, question the effectiveness of the Republican strategy. CJ Warnke, communications director for the House Majority PAC, argued that voters in battleground districts are more concerned with economic issues and "how Republicans broke their promise lower costs by passing a toxic agenda of tariffs, new wars, and devastating health care cuts."
LePage is currently favored in the 2nd Congressional District race, with The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball rating the contest as Likely Republican or Leans Republican.