Maine Senate Candidate Platner Plans Removal Nazi-Linked Tattoo

Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has vowed to remove a tattoo on his chest that resembles a Nazi skull and crossbones symbol, which he said he got nearly 20 years ago during a drunken night with fellow Marines in Croatia. Platner stated he was unaware of the tattoo's association with Nazis or hate groups when he chose it and has expressed disgust at insinuations that he knowingly wore such a symbol. Despite the controversy, Platner pointed out that the tattoo was never flagged during military physicals or security clearances, including for his work on the Ambassador to Afghanistan’s security detail. His former political director, Genevieve McDonald, resigned and criticized him and his team, asserting that Platner, a military history buff, should have known the tattoo's meaning and covered it up. Platner is running a progressive campaign against Republican Susan Collins and has the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders, who views him as a strong candidate. The tattoo issue arose alongside scrutiny of Platner's past controversial online comments, which he has since disavowed, attributing them to struggles with PTSD and depression after leaving the Army.