What to Expect From Maine's Primary Election

Summary

Brooke Sutherland discusses the Maine Democratic primary, where Graham Platner is expected to win despite controversies. She analyzes whether a protest vote for suspended candidate Janet Mills could signal Democratic vulnerability and how negative advertising about Platner's past could impact the general election against Republican Susan Collins.

• Graham Platner likely wins the Maine Democratic Senate nomination
• Maine Governor Janet Mills suspended her campaign but remains on the ballot
• A strong showing for Mills would indicate a protest vote and Democratic unease
• Recent polls showed Platner leading incumbent Susan Collins before new controversies
• Collins-aligned superPAC is running ads highlighting Platner's offensive past comments
• Democrats worry about the impact of negative advertising and potential further damaging revelations