‘Disgusted’ by Platner’s Antics, Healey Still Endorses Him to Unseat Susan Collins

By Colin A. Young

If Graham Platner is victorious in next week’s U.S. Senate primary in Maine, he will have Maura Healey’s support in the fall, despite the governor saying she is “disgusted” by the political newcomer’s “behavior and antics.”

Healey backed Platner’s Democratic opponent, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, in April. Mills has since suspended her campaign but reminded voters in the wake of allegations that Platner engaged in sexual messaging with other women after getting married that she will still be on the ballot when they vote June 9.

Healey told GBH Radio on Tuesday that she will support Platner if he is the Democrat running against incumbent Republican Susan Collins. But she also did not sing his praises.

“I’m disgusted by what he posted, and I’ve been disgusted by some of his other behaviors and antics. But here’s the thing, come November, there’s going to be a clear choice. There’s going to be Susan Collins on the one hand who has stood with Trump … and that’s not who we need in Congress right now, and that’s why Susan Collins needs to go. She needs to go for the people of Maine, but also for the people of this country.”

Collins has served in the U.S. Senate since first being elected in 1996. In 1993, she worked under Treasurer Joe Malone as deputy state treasurer of Massachusetts.