Platner to Speak at Maine Labor Rally After Ending Campaign

Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is scheduled to be the featured speaker at a Labor Day rally, in what may be one of his first public appearances since dropping out of his race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

Platner won Maine's Democratic primary before withdrawing in July after Politico reported that a former girlfriend accused him of sexually assaulting her. He denied the allegation but said at the time that he was stepping aside because of the importance of defeating Collins.

Platner will appear at the "Labor Day Rally for Labor," organized by Hancock County Activists, at Ellsworth City Hall near his hometown, according to a notice on the Hancock County Democrats' website. The notice says the rally will feature musical performances and Platner speaking on "the history of unions and the important role organized labor has played in our communities and our country."

The event is not hosted or organized by the Hancock County Democratic Committee and has no affiliation with the Maine Democratic Party, a party source said. Carol Leonard, who works with co-hosting group Acadia Action, said Platner is not expected to discuss the campaign and will instead focus on the history of the U.S. labor movement. He also spoke at the rally last year.

After Platner dropped out, the Maine Democratic Party called a special convention and nominated former state Senate President Troy Jackson. Platner has kept a low profile since and did not respond to requests for comment.

Maine Republican Party spokeswoman Kristina Parker criticized the appearance, saying, "If Graham Platner is still a heroic leader for Maine Democrats, as this speaking event indicates, their party is out of touch with Maine," adding that voters were "disgusted" by his actions.

Platner, 41, is an oyster farmer and combat veteran whose progressive, working-class-focused campaign filled theaters around Maine. His bid was dogged by controversies, including reports of sexually explicit text messages exchanged with several women while he was married, and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he later covered up.