Graham Platner, a Senate candidate in Maine, is under fire from high-profile Democrats, including Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., for a tattoo with Nazi origins. The controversy has sparked debate about Platner’s awareness of the tattoo’s symbolism.
Controversy Over Tattoo
Rep. Schneider, chairman of the House Democrats’ largest caucus, expressed skepticism about Platner’s claim of ignorance regarding the tattoo’s origins. “There’s no way he didn’t know what the tattoo was,” Schneider remarked, urging Platner to “own it and move on.” This sentiment echoes the concerns of other Democrats, such as Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., and Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who have also criticized Platner.
The tattoo, a black skull-and-crossbones design, was reportedly referred to by Platner as “my Totenkopf,” a symbol historically linked to Nazi SS paramilitary forces. Lyndsey Fifield, one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends, claimed that Platner was aware of its Nazi connections and even joked about it.
Additional Allegations
Besides the tattoo controversy, Platner is facing scrutiny for other issues, including sending explicit messages to women while newly married, a history of offensive social media posts, and allegations of abuse in past relationships. Platner has denied these allegations, including the claim of assault by Fifield.
Platner, who is running against Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in a competitive race, has since covered up the tattoo. He stated that he got it during a night out with fellow Marines in 2007. However, the timing of his public disclosure of the tattoo has been questioned, as Fifield reportedly informed friends about its Nazi link months before Platner’s admission.
Impact on Candidacy
Amid these controversies, some Democrats are questioning Platner’s viability as a candidate. Schneider indicated that he would find it difficult to support Platner if he were a Maine voter, leaving the decision to the state’s electorate. The controversy highlights the challenges Platner faces as he seeks to secure his party’s nomination and unseat a Republican incumbent.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
