Graham Platner and his supporters pounced on Gov. Janet Mills after the moderator of an upcoming debate between Maine’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidates posted on social media that the governor had “pulled out” of the debate, scheduled for Saturday in Topsham.
The Sagadahoc County Democrats had been advertising their debate for weeks, saying all three candidates would be attending. The group said 900 people had registered.
On Monday, Mills said she had never confirmed with the group that she would participate.
On Saturday, organizers clarified to the Press Herald that only Platner and Brunswick’s David Costello had accepted the invitation, while Mills declined. The county committee chairman apologized for the confusion in a written statement on Monday.
“Because of a previous scheduling commitment, Governor Janet Mills will not be able to attend,” Chairman Richard Kessler said. “We regret any confusion.”
Kessler did not respond to follow-up questions about when each candidate responded to invitations.
In a screenshot of a post that circulated widely on X, the debate moderator, Colin Woodard, said that Mills had “pulled out of the debate.”
“Disappointing for primary voters, and maybe not optimal if you’re behind by…30 points in the polls as well as in fundraising,” Woodard wrote.
But according to emails between Mills’ campaign and the event coordinator, Mills said she could not attend the function in March. And on Feb. 24, Mills announced that she was participating in five debates and forums.
“In addition to the debates and forums, Governor Mills will continue to meet with voters across Maine, in all 16 counties, as she works to earn support ahead of the primary and into the general election,” Mills spokesperson Tommy Garcia said in a statement.
Mills and Platner are the leading Democratic contenders in the race against Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner, an oyster farmer and political newcomer, announced on March 16 that he would participate in five debates and forums ahead of the June 9 primary. Three will be televised and two will be hosted by the Maine Democratic Party — one in each congressional district.
The first televised debate will happen on May 7, in partnership with the Press Herald, Maine Public and News Center Maine. Mills, Costello and Platner have agreed to attend.
The Maine Democratic Party announced Monday that all three candidates have accepted invitations to their forums, taking place on May 22 in Bangor and May 26 in Portland.
“We understand that several televised debates have been scheduled,” Kessler said. “In addition, the Maine Democratic Party has agreed to host two all-candidate forums, one in each congressional district to ensure all Maine voters are able to hear directly from candidates. Voters are urged to watch those debates and discussions.”
Platner, who is barnstorming the state and holding town hall events, took to social media to hit Mills for not participating.
“We’ll be there, and whenever the schedule allows,” Platner said, “we look forward to having a conversation with the governor about issues Mainers care about.”
This story was originally published by the Maine Trust for Local News. Randy Billings can be reached at [email protected].
