Maine Senate Candidate Covers Nazi Tattoo Amid Social Media Controversy

Graham Platner, a progressive Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, has faced controversy after revealing a chest tattoo depicting a Totenkopf, a symbol historically associated with Nazi SS officers. Platner, a military veteran, claimed he got the tattoo during a drunken night in 2007 while on leave in Croatia and was unaware of its Nazi connections until recently. Despite initial plans to remove the tattoo, he opted to cover it with another design due to limited tattoo removal options in rural Maine. Platner has apologized for controversial past online comments that included dismissing military sexual assaults and criticizing various groups, attributing them to struggles with PTSD and depression after leaving the Army. His campaign has drawn support from progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders, who continues to back him despite the scandal. Platner is running in a competitive Democratic primary against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins and others, with the tattoo controversy and past statements likely to impact the race.