Their hesitance comes as two polls show Platner with a large lead over Maine Gov. Janet Mills among Democratic primary voters.

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Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner’s former political director said his campaign offered her $15,000 to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) prior to her exit from the campaign, Politico reported. Newsweek contacted the political director, Genevieve McDonald, and Platner’s campaign for comment via Facebook message and email.

Graham Platner, since launching his bid for Senate in August, has garnered attention and support from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, is running

Speaking at a town hall following days of negative revelations about his online posts and a tattoo that resembled Nazi imagery, Graham Platner was defiant.

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner covered up a tattoo on his chest that resembled a Nazi symbol, a spokesperson for Platner’s campaign confirmed to NBC News.

Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said he covered up a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol that he got nearly 20 years ago.

A second Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine dropped out of the race to endorse Gov. Janet Mills — but this time because of controversial past remarks from popular political newcomer Graham Platner.