Women who dated Graham Platner describe volatile behavior, NYT reports

Three women who were romantically involved with Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner described relationships marked by heavy drinking, infidelity and behavior they found intimidating, the New York Times reported Wednesday.

One woman, conservative activist Lyndsey Fifield, told the Times that Platner was physically rough with her during their relationship in the mid-2010s, including twisting her arm and holding her in a room during an argument. She also said Platner knew years ago that his chest tattoo was a Nazi symbol and referred to it by its German name, contradicting his claim last fall that he learned what it was from reporters. Platner’s campaign strongly disputes both accounts and notes Fifield’s long career in Republican politics. Fifield says she has no connection to the Susan Collins campaign and would come forward regardless of party.

A second woman, Maine Democrat Jenny Racicot, said Platner once showed up at her home drunk after she told him not to come, and that his resurfaced online comments matched a version of him she had experienced. A third woman spoke anonymously and described feeling like an afterthought in his life.

Platner’s campaign arranged interviews with three other ex-girlfriends who defended him, with one calling him a gentle giant who never made her feel unsafe.

In a statement, Platner acknowledged self-medicating with alcohol and being a flawed boyfriend during a dark period, said he takes responsibility, and called any further characterization false and politically motivated.

The report lands days after revelations that Platner exchanged sexual messages with women while married, and as Democrats weigh whether he can hold up in a race seen as critical to retaking the Senate. He told senators Tuesday there is nothing else damaging in his background.