I voted for Susan Collins in the past. Here's why I support Graham Platner.
I am an independent voter. I have voted, in the past, for Sen. Susan Collins. In the past, I believe Collins looked out for Mainers. In the past, she called herself a Mainer, came from a small, northern town and understood what it meant to live here. Now Collins is a Washington insider.
She points out she has voted 10,000 consecutive times to show her “responsible” decision making, but what she has voted for, whom she has supported, her “concern” for us losing our healthcare shows to me that she doesn’t understand the financial constraints on families who can’t afford childcare, or college educations. Her confirmation of Supreme Court judges and cabinet members who uphold loyalty to President Donald Trump and not to the people, does not, I feel, represent Mainers. I think she represents the wealthy, super PACs that support her, and is doing her donors’ business so she can stay in power. I’m not impressed with this.
I take my vote seriously and I do my homework. I have been to three Graham Platner rallies. First, I wanted to hear what he had to say, but I withheld any judgment or support. I was interested in Platner’s understanding of Maine and why he was running. I attended a second rally, closer to my hometown. Standing-room only, I stood for two hours and asked him my question: What makes you incorruptible? The room went silent as he answered as honestly as he could. It seems he knows he’s vulnerable, he’s human.
He and his wife are suspending their lives for a moment to be accessible to the people of Maine, and he knows how hard it is to trust anyone or believe any politician these days. As a Marine he’s fought for us; he believes in service. He’s likely going to be outspent by Republicans, and he’s going to the people as his campaign. He’s held over 80 town halls, and counting. The work he’s putting in, reaching out, answering questions and understanding where we are coming from, will be his guardrail. I believe him.
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https://www.bangordailynews.com/2026/07/06/opinion/i-voted-for-susan-collins-in-the-past-heres-why-i-support-graham-platner/
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