PORTLAND, Maine — Graham Platner was met by an enthusiastic and supportive crowd Sunday at a town hall-style event in Maine as the Democrat looks to advance his Senate campaign after reports about his past treatment of women just days before the state’s crucial primary.

The Democratic primary is still seen as Platner’s to win. However, he is facing questions about his past that could make it difficult for him to defeat longtime incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.

“We’re going to win on Tuesday, and we’re going to win in November, and we’re going to take power back for the people in this country,” Platner said to about 400 people clapping and cheering him on in Portland.

The New York Times on Thursday reported an ex-girlfriend’s allegations that Platner repeatedly grabbed her by the shoulders during arguments and once twisted her arm behind her back and locked her in a room. Platner has repeatedly called those allegations of violence untrue.

Other Platner ex-girlfriends interviewed by the Times described positive experiences, while some said he was volatile and insulting. That story came days after news reports revealing that Platner had exchanged sexually explicit messages with several women while married.

The latest news has deepened some Democrats’ nervousness about Platner, who already faced scrutiny over online posts that were dismissive of sexual assault and a skull tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol. Platner has apologized for the posts and covered up the tattoo, saying he didn’t realize its significance when he got it. In addition to his Nazi tattoo, some Jewish Democrats are also concerned about his staunch criticism of Israel.

On Sunday, Platner took a swipe at Senator John Fetterman, who has criticized the Senate candidate recently, calling him a “creep” and likening him to a “Nazi sympathizer.” Some have questioned whether Platner would........

© The Times of Israel