Democrats competing to replace disgraced Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner embraced key parts of his progressive platform during a Thursday debate, including abolishing ICE, Medicare for all, economic populism, and criticism of Israel. Platner withdrew from the race following a rape allegation he denies.
The debate highlighted that Platner's withdrawal has not produced a break from the agenda that secured him a landslide primary victory. Democrats have eight days to select a replacement to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
During the debate, all candidates called for eliminating the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, a stance amplified by a fatal shooting involving ICE agents in Biddeford, Maine, days prior. The shooting occurred when an officer fired amid fears for public safety during an attempted flight by a driver, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Nirav Shah, a former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, referred to ICE as "the president's goons" and stated the agency "cannot be reformed." Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson described ICE as a "rogue agency" separate from law enforcement. Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer, and Dan Kleban, co-founder of Maine Beer Company, also voiced support for abolishing ICE, with Wood calling for a new law enforcement agency that "has the trust of the people."
David Costello, a previous Senate candidate, claimed ICE was a "political instrument" of the Trump administration and should be abolished.
Platner's economic populism and critique of "oligarchy" also resonated with the candidates. Jackson stated his commitment to "healthcare, Medicare for all" and criticized tax cuts for the wealthy. Shah indicated overlap with Platner's policies, particularly on ICE. Wood cited "human rights work" and the need for "Palestinian statehood."
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said Platner was right that "the democracy that we thought we had has been deeply corrupted by those in power in Washington, the billionaires and the massive corporations."
Platner, who secured the Democratic nomination with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, withdrew from the race earlier this month following a report detailing a rape allegation. He has denied the claim.
The Maine Democratic Party will hold a nominating convention in Bangor on July 25 to select a replacement nominee, facing a July 27 deadline to certify the candidate.