WASHINGTON (JTA) — Simon Rosenberg was almost done running through his thoughts about upcoming Senate races when the political strategist threw a rhetorical bomb into the crowd of Jewish Democrats.

“And then there’s Maine,” Rosenberg said, eliciting laughter — some of it uneasy. The race and its presumptive Democratic nominee, Graham Platner, had been on people’s minds on Wednesday during the confab, the national summit of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, but no one had yet mentioned him from the stage.

The omission was notable because Platner is seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. He was initially battling in the primary against Maine Gov. Janet Mills, whom the JDCA had endorsed. But he effectively clinched the nomination when Mills dropped out of the race two weeks ago, and now is expected to challenge Rep. Susan Collins in November.

Among Jewish Democrats, there is a debate over whether to support Platner, who has caused concerns with his past Nazi tattoo and staunch criticism of Israel, but also has a chance to unseat an incumbent Republican and help the party take control of the Senate.

Rosenberg revealed at the summit where he stood in that debate — somewhere the JDCA’s leadership has not been willing to go.

“The Maine party is excited, ready to go, and we’re all going to be along the Platner train in a few weeks,” he said.

The laughs gave way to murmurs and groans. Some attendees shook their heads at one another. One woman mouthed something to her neighbor, motioning “No” with her arms.

“He’s going to be the candidate, and let’s........

© The Times of Israel