Graham Platner to speak at labor rally, one of his first public events since ending Maine campaign

Former Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is set to speak at a Labor Day rally in Ellsworth on Sept. 7, an appearance that could be among his first public events since he ended his campaign. Platner won Maine’s Democratic primary to challenge Sen. Susan Collins, but he withdrew in July after Politico reported allegations from a former girlfriend that he sexually assaulted her; Platner denied the claim, saying he was stepping aside to focus on defeating Collins. The rally, organized by Hancock County Activists, is scheduled at Ellsworth City Hall and will include music as well as a talk on the history of unions and organized labor. The event is not affiliated with the Maine Democratic Party, a party source said. Republicans criticized Democrats for hosting it, and state party officials selected Troy Jackson after Platner dropped out.