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Sanders Endorses Oyster Farmer in Bid to Take Down Senator Collins

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has broken away from some of his Democrat colleagues to endorse a popular oyster farmer and former U.S. Marine in his bid to win Maine's hotly contested Senate race. Graham Platner, known online as "the oysterman," is attempting to oust beleaguered Republican Susan Collins. Platner's campaign claims to have raised $1 million and signed up 3,000 volunteers in just 10 days. Sanders praises Platner as a proud member of America's working class and a Mainer through and through, who is building a movement strong enough to take on the oligarchy making Maine unaffordable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sanders' endorsement of Platner has caused a rift within the Democratic Party, with some hoping that Governor Janet Mills will enter the race instead.
  • Platner's campaign has raised $1 million and signed up 3,000 volunteers in just 10 days, a significant surge in support for a grassroots campaign.
  • Platner is a former U.S. Marine and Army National Guard veteran, an oyster farmer, and has no prior political experience.
  • Platner has championed progressive policies, including universal health care, blanise of the oligarchy, and an end to what he described as "a genocide happening in Palestine."
  • Platner has criticized the current Democratic Party for a lack of urgency and has stated that "everyone knows most of them aren't doing jack s*** right now to fight back."
  • Platner's campaign is focused on taking on the "billionaire class" and building a movement strong enough to defeat Senator Collins.

Statistics:

  • $1 million raised by Platner's campaign in just 10 days
  • 3,000 volunteers signed up by Platner's campaign in just 10 days
  • 38% approval rating held by Senator Collins according to a July poll
  • 40 years of age for Graham Platner, the endorsed candidate
  • 77 years of age for Governor Janet Mills, who is reportedly being considered by some Democrats to enter the race

Sources:

  • Mike Bedigan, "Sanders Endorses Oyster Farmer in Bid to Take Down Senator Collins"
  • Rolling Stone
  • Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine)
  • Portland Press Herald

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