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LetMyPeopleVote

(171,402 posts)
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:50 AM Tuesday

BREAKING: The Democratic Governor of Maine just announced her campaign to defeat Susan Collins. This is huge.

This is great news. Governor Mills is very electable


119 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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BREAKING: The Democratic Governor of Maine just announced her campaign to defeat Susan Collins. This is huge. (Original Post) LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday OP
The more the merrier. eShirl Tuesday #1
I like Gov. Mills, but in all honesty, I think we should be installing the next generation of leaders. Vinca Tuesday #2
I'm sure she's been a decent governor temporary311 Tuesday #3
Eve could have been her midwife dsc Tuesday #24
Gov Janet Mills is a "very popular Gov".. Maine Cha Tuesday #58
Maine Senate Race Moves To Toss Up With Mills' Entrance LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #4
Maybe we should look at all the potential candidates before we declare the winner. eShirl Tuesday #6
How much of that is simple name recognition? EdmondDantes_ Tuesday #7
Primaries are healthy JustAnotherGen Tuesday #8
A lot, according to a recent poll muriel_volestrangler Tuesday #69
She's almost 80 n/t leftstreet Tuesday #5
Bernie is pushing JustAnotherGen Tuesday #9
1 term, then a GOPer grabs her seat leftstreet Tuesday #10
In today's political climate, it will be an easy-flip... afterwards, it will be easier to KEEP blue than to FLIP blue... QueerDuck Tuesday #12
There's no evidence for that. But okay n/t leftstreet Tuesday #13
No evidence for the prediction of "1 term, then a GOPer grabs her seat" either. But okay. QueerDuck Tuesday #15
LOL We'll fix it later n/t leftstreet Tuesday #16
Nope JustAnotherGen Tuesday #18
Exactly! Now you're catching on... we can't "fix it" if we're not in the majority... QueerDuck Tuesday #44
It is what it is JustAnotherGen Tuesday #17
Better than no term and another six years of Susan Collins. W_HAMILTON Tuesday #34
Sadly, for many, purity and youth are all that matter... QueerDuck Tuesday #81
Insightful n/t Torchlight Tuesday #14
Susan Collins is 72 - no spring chicken either. meadowlander Tuesday #71
Wow. She's looked 80 for at least a decade. PuraVidaDreamin Tuesday #78
Bookmarking. rzemanfl Tuesday #72
Ageism Pris Yesterday #93
Nonsense leftstreet Yesterday #105
this is great news, LMPV. sheshe2 Tuesday #11
How quickly we've gone from JustAnotherGen Tuesday #19
How's that working out? leftstreet Tuesday #20
Times haven't changed enough for me JustAnotherGen Tuesday #22
Nor for most here.. whathehell Yesterday #109
Ah! The old she's 'so old' canard. sheshe2 Tuesday #84
Electability is more important than age by far gulliver Tuesday #21
I like Janet Mills, let them put in the legwork, have good fair primary debate(s), Ars Longa Tuesday #23
Governor Mills addresses the age issue LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #25
Behind the "BUT OLD": insinuation of a Grand Canyon-like policy/character divide depending on age. betsuni Tuesday #39
Why don't the establishment centrists push for universal health care? AZProgressive Tuesday #73
There are many good books about American politics and the difference between the two parties and betsuni Yesterday #95
it's a good answer Skittles Tuesday #74
wow jaymac Yesterday #97
Excellent! SheltieLover Tuesday #26
Graham Platner is a very electable and promising candidate. carpetbagger Tuesday #27
He has no political experience -- is that right? W_HAMILTON Tuesday #35
And, it doesn't translate into Not being Cha Tuesday #48
Bernie endorsed Platner ... DoBW Tuesday #83
What about Graham Platner? He's even more electable. Mills is pushing 80 and is 5 years OLDER than Fil1957 Tuesday #28
There absolutely zero indication Platner is more electable. W_HAMILTON Tuesday #40
Evidence in reply #69 muriel_volestrangler Tuesday #70
Fetterman was easy to vet AZProgressive Tuesday #75
".. a few notable exceptions.. "? Who might they be? Cha Tuesday #49
What should the cut-off age be to run? Torchlight Yesterday #102
Angus King, the other Maine US Senator, is 81 SpankMe Tuesday #29
Looks like Maine isn't afraid of age and experience. delisen Tuesday #41
One of her first acts as governor was to sign an executive order Torchlight Tuesday #30
Gov Mills sounds Progressive! TY! Cha Tuesday #51
Mills is not progressive, but a solid middle. Good executive. Stands her ground. A leader. Easterncedar Yesterday #96
Gov Mills has Won 2 State Wide Elections.. Cha Yesterday #110
No argument. She got us through the pandemic Easterncedar Yesterday #112
Sure, another ancient establishment candidate. BlueTsunami2018 Tuesday #31
Maine Re Elected Sen Angus King last Year Cha Tuesday #53
At what point do we go to new blood? BlueTsunami2018 Tuesday #62
At the Right point and the Right People... Cha Tuesday #67
I like Platner. I do appreciate that Mills was one of the first to stand up to Trump. travelingthrulife Yesterday #106
When the party literally no longer has the choice not to. NT Midwestern Democrat Yesterday #116
yeah, but jaymac Yesterday #99
Mixed feelings about this. mainer Tuesday #32
If Mills took on some progressive policies... leftstreet Tuesday #50
The Race just Turned to Toss Up with Cha Tuesday #57
Susan Collins should be concerned IronLionZion Tuesday #33
Can we find someone a little older, please? Fichefinder Tuesday #36
LOL leftstreet Tuesday #38
The reality show mindset can dominate the shallows Torchlight Tuesday #46
Maine Did... Last Year they Re Elected Sen Angus Cha Tuesday #54
I think the OP had the key word: ELECTABLE DFW Tuesday #37
Calls himself a New Deal Democrat (used to be FDR Democrat) as if FDR wasn't a liberal Democrat betsuni Tuesday #43
Wow.. Thanks for That.. I knew I didn't like Cha Tuesday #59
Time For a Real Logan's Run'? BidenRocks Tuesday #42
Have gotten 3 fund raising texts from her already Picaro Tuesday #45
I have gotten snarky fundraising ads from both David Hogg and Plantar LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #65
WOW! Brilliant Campaign Vid!.. TY Gov Cha Tuesday #47
Great ad!! Trueblue Texan Tuesday #52
Yes Gov Mills Did! Susan Collins All Cozying UP Cha Tuesday #61
I like her a lot, BUT Jilly_in_VA Tuesday #55
Let the hand-wringing about Mills's age begin dlk Tuesday #56
The DSCC and Janet Mills have formed a joint fundraising committee together. LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #60
Gov. Mills is a proven statewide winner!! aeromanKC Tuesday #63
That was a kickass ad! liberalla Tuesday #64
Mills launches her Senate bid with 'no promises' to Schumer LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #66
I guess that's smart.. Too bad Sen Cha Tuesday #68
Speaking of Sen Schumer.. Here's AOC giving Cha Tuesday #87
This message was self-deleted by its author LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #90
What about . RSH Tuesday #76
Listened to a Meidas interview with her today ALBliberal Tuesday #77
Susan Collins' personal integrity Norrrm Tuesday #79
Dan Kleban is suspending his campaign for Maine Senate seat LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #80
TY & Dan Kleban! Great Endorsement for Gov Mills! Cha Tuesday #85
not good North Coast Lawyer Tuesday #82
I think it's Very Good! The Race Turned to Toss UP Cha Tuesday #86
for how long North Coast Lawyer Yesterday #113
Gov Mills has Won 2 State Wide Elections... she Cha Yesterday #115
We can thank them for their service. North Coast Lawyer Yesterday #117
It's not the age.. it's the person and what Cha 23 hrs ago #119
How to identify young talent? SomewhereInTheMiddle Yesterday #94
new talent is always peculating up North Coast Lawyer Yesterday #114
I live in Virginia and have already gotten three separate texts just today phylny Tuesday #88
Sorry, Janet. soldierant Tuesday #89
Sorry, soldierant.. whathehell Yesterday #104
Governor Mills was great on The Last Word tonight LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #91
Okay. Morbius Yesterday #92
She's showing up in my Facebook feed, even though I am in Texas. Susan Calvin Yesterday #98
This guy - Graham Platner MaineNative Yesterday #100
Glad to see this. PunkinPi Yesterday #101
Good luck to any Democrat who turns Susan Collins out of office Vogon_Glory Yesterday #103
Emily's List has endorsed Governor Mills LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #107
Good to Know... TY & Emily's List! Cha Yesterday #111
Mills has my support. RandySF Yesterday #108
Governor Mills raised $1 million in first 24 hours LetMyPeopleVote Yesterday #118

Vinca

(52,844 posts)
2. I like Gov. Mills, but in all honesty, I think we should be installing the next generation of leaders.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:54 AM
Tuesday

My only thought on this is when the Democratic vote matters - November 2026 - all Democrats support whoever wins the primary. No stay-at-homes, no third parties, no hissy fits because "your" candidate isn't on the ballot.

temporary311

(958 posts)
3. I'm sure she's been a decent governor
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:57 AM
Tuesday

but given the issues we've had with aged politicians the last few years, I'm not sure sending a soon-to-be octogenarian is the best idea. Certainly not when there are other good candidates who aren't a decade+ past retirement age.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
58. Gov Janet Mills is a "very popular Gov".. Maine
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:13 PM
Tuesday

Re Elected Sen Angus King last year who is 81.

The Race "Turned to Toss Up from Leans gop when she entered.

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,402 posts)
4. Maine Senate Race Moves To Toss Up With Mills' Entrance
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:58 AM
Tuesday

Mills is clearly more electable than any other candidate

Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ entrance into the Senate race on Tuesday marks a significant escalation in political firepower aimed at longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins. We are moving the contest from Lean R -> Toss Up.

The Cook Political Report (@cookpolitical.com) 2025-10-14T13:38:17.516Z

https://www.cookpolitical.com/analysis/senate/maine-senate/maine-senate-race-moves-toss-mills-entrance

Maine Gov. Janet Mills’ entrance into the Senate race on Tuesday marks a significant escalation in political firepower aimed at longtime GOP Sen. Susan Collins, the only Republican senator representing a state carried by then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. For the first time since she was elected in 1996, Collins could face off against a sitting statewide officeholder who, like her, has a proven track record of outperforming the presidential ticket of her party.

Mills, of course, does not have a clear path to the nomination, and there is no guarantee that she will win it. But she is a top-tier recruit in a field that currently lacks a well-known or well-established candidate. And while Collins has defied electoral expectations for decades, the political environment today is more polarized than ever, which makes Collins’ ability to effectively straddle partisan lines more challenging.

As such, we are moving the contest from Lean Republican to Toss Up.

There are several other Democrats in the race, but oyster farmer and first-time political candidate Graham Platner appears to be Mills’ most serious

eShirl

(19,786 posts)
6. Maybe we should look at all the potential candidates before we declare the winner.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:07 AM
Tuesday

Just in case there's other good ones too.

JustAnotherGen

(37,254 posts)
8. Primaries are healthy
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:10 AM
Tuesday

Let the Democratic Candidates make their argument to the party voters in Maine.

muriel_volestrangler

(104,989 posts)
69. A lot, according to a recent poll
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:01 PM
Tuesday
2) Voters are split on their views of Janet Mills. Mills has a 48-45 job approval rating
(including 30% that strongly disapprove) and a 47-43 favorability rating (including 29%
that have a very unfavorable view of her). She has a 40-51 approval rating among
independents.

3) Less than half of voters have heard of Graham Platner. Platner has a 21-9
favorability rating, with 15% saying they are neutral toward him, and 55% saying they
don’t know enough about him to form an opinion. About three-in-four are unfamiliar with
two other Democratic candidates (74% for Jordan Wood and 79% for Dan Kleban).

4) In the initial ballot, Platner and Collins start out tied, and Mills holds a 5-point lead
over Collins. In the initial ballot test, Mills leads Collins 42% to 37%, while Platner and
Collins are tied at 38%. Collins has about the same share of the vote against both
candidates.

5) After respondents see short biographies for both Democratic candidates, Platner
leads Collins by 14 points, and Mills leads Collins by 8 points. Post-bios, Platner
leads Collins 48-34, a net gain of 14 points from the initial ballot, and Mills leads Collins
44-36, a net gain of 3 points from the initial ballot.

https://perfectunion.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/More-Perfect-Union_-Maine-Senate-General-Election-Benchmark-Poll.pdf

leftstreet

(37,592 posts)
10. 1 term, then a GOPer grabs her seat
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:20 AM
Tuesday

Bernie and Grassley aren't running to turn a seat blue, and keep it blue, in Maine

She'd be 84 starting her reelection campaign

QueerDuck

(216 posts)
12. In today's political climate, it will be an easy-flip... afterwards, it will be easier to KEEP blue than to FLIP blue...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:38 AM
Tuesday

under any other "normal" circumstances. We need warm-bodies NOW in the Senate, we need our numbers up NOW. It makes little sense to me to not pursue the obvious easy advantages that we get by shifting the balance of power in the Senate rather than dismissing her as a one-term "placeholder" Senator who's not worth considering or supporting, based on the belief that someone "better" and "younger" might come along who could hold the seat for more years.

I'm very happy to hear this news.

QueerDuck

(216 posts)
15. No evidence for the prediction of "1 term, then a GOPer grabs her seat" either. But okay.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:43 AM
Tuesday

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. This is a bird in the hand... let's keep it. Let's do all we can re-establish a Senate majority NOW... we can worry about who's "too old" to run for reelection later.

QueerDuck

(216 posts)
44. Exactly! Now you're catching on... we can't "fix it" if we're not in the majority...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 01:41 PM
Tuesday

and right now, we are NOT in the majority. We need to be, so that's the priority.

JustAnotherGen

(37,254 posts)
17. It is what it is
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:50 AM
Tuesday

I'll leave it up to the people of Maine. We can't assume that our country is going to look anything like it did January 19, 2025 in 6 months - or 6 years.

I'm already in a place of the Electoral Rules are no longer in place. Then again - I've lived in NJ for 20 years and I've picked up that 'anything can happen' optimism.

QueerDuck

(216 posts)
81. Sadly, for many, purity and youth are all that matter...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 07:14 PM
Tuesday

no matter how much it harms the party or the country... all in the name of purity... and virtue signaling.

leftstreet

(37,592 posts)
105. Nonsense
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 10:17 AM
Yesterday

There is no prejudice or stereotyping here in terms of her mental fitness or abilities

The issue is longevity and duration of service

Good grief

JustAnotherGen

(37,254 posts)
19. How quickly we've gone from
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:52 AM
Tuesday

Primaries are healthy -

To - But she's 'so old'. Over it. It's almost like people don't want to win:

Then Dominate.
Then RULE.

leftstreet

(37,592 posts)
20. How's that working out?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 10:58 AM
Tuesday

How are the octogenarians in Democratic leadership DOMINATING and RULING ?

Bless Schumer and Pelosi's hearts, but their world of polite, professional, pragmatic negotiating with a like-minded Republican party is OVER

Trump and MAGA have brought us extreme partisanship and the need to motivate dwindling voter bases

Times have changed

JustAnotherGen

(37,254 posts)
22. Times haven't changed enough for me
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:08 AM
Tuesday

And it will probably go FAR beyond what you want in terms of change.

Like most Black women I know? I'm sitting and sipping tea with my girls and enjoying it all being BURNED down.

This way we can re-make America in our image and beliefs. Amerikkka is dead -

A new day is coming. Mark me on that.

whathehell

(30,286 posts)
109. Nor for most here..
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 10:49 AM
Yesterday

That said, I'm curious as to what constitutes "all" of what you're enjoying "being burned down".

gulliver

(13,558 posts)
21. Electability is more important than age by far
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:07 AM
Tuesday

We need seats. We need to win elections. If there are younger candidates who want to get somewhere, they need to make themselves electable.

Ars Longa

(313 posts)
23. I like Janet Mills, let them put in the legwork, have good fair primary debate(s),
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:21 AM
Tuesday

and then Mainer's will decide.
However,IMO she is in for a much tougher primary fight with Graham Platner
than she and the DSCC think! I hope all can come together afterwards.

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,402 posts)
25. Governor Mills addresses the age issue
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:40 AM
Tuesday

Meiselas: What do you say to people who say while Governor Mills has been a great governor, she’s 77 years old, and we need younger leadership?

Mills: It’s a fair point… But I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t do everything I can to reverse what’s going on in Washington

Acyn (@acyn.bsky.social) 2025-10-14T15:30:35.908Z

betsuni

(28,444 posts)
39. Behind the "BUT OLD": insinuation of a Grand Canyon-like policy/character divide depending on age.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:35 PM
Tuesday

Assumption (never give the benefit of the doubt, jump right in) that Olds are establishment centrists clinging to ego-power-money while Youngs have exciting new ideas no Democrat has ever thought of before, like universal health care and higher wages and more equality (excuse me for a moment, ).

AZProgressive

(29,748 posts)
73. Why don't the establishment centrists push for universal health care?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:20 PM
Tuesday

Instead they push "strengthening Obamacare" as a counter to universal health care but when the ACA was first passed we were told that it was a stepping stone to medical for all that we could improve on it later.

What is wrong with Graham Platner is my question? The main reason why I'm against Janet Mills is as governor she vetoed a plan to close a juvenile prison and the thinking that we need to lock kids up is outdated thinking.

betsuni

(28,444 posts)
95. There are many good books about American politics and the difference between the two parties and
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 06:12 AM
Yesterday

what Republicans have done to stop progress.

Skittles

(168,118 posts)
74. it's a good answer
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:20 PM
Tuesday

I too am tired of the same old same old, I wish they would pass the baton already but right now you gotta do what you gotta do to combat fascism

jaymac

(60 posts)
97. wow
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:15 AM
Yesterday

she's had some work done! just look at the pics of her this past year.........
and remember she will choose the corporation's side over people's every time.

carpetbagger

(5,384 posts)
27. Graham Platner is a very electable and promising candidate.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:51 AM
Tuesday

I appreciate what Democratic governors have done in standing up to Trump. But that doesn't necessarily translate into being an effective voice in the Senate, where the script doesn't place the politician in the role of an independent power center like a governor. Platner is promising, and he likely does as well as Mills after the first set of ads run. And Platner would be more effective at building the party, as Mills won't be in the 2032 class.

W_HAMILTON

(9,683 posts)
35. He has no political experience -- is that right?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:28 PM
Tuesday

Im sorry, after getting burned by self-proclaimed """progressives""" with little to no history of actual progressive accomplishments, I'm not too keen on supporting an unproven newcomer like that over a popular Democrat like Mills that has already proven she can win a state-wide race.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
48. And, it doesn't translate into Not being
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 03:21 PM
Tuesday

an effective vote in the Senate.

We'll see what happens

DoBW

(2,829 posts)
83. Bernie endorsed Platner ...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 07:38 PM
Tuesday

and Bernie's "Fight the Oligharchy" tour has been potent. Platner's has good traction in his campaign. Mills' popping up is weird

Fil1957

(271 posts)
28. What about Graham Platner? He's even more electable. Mills is pushing 80 and is 5 years OLDER than
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:52 AM
Tuesday

Susan Collins. This sums up everything that is wrong with the Democratic party establishment. I guess they feel it's "her turn". They need to wake up and smell the coffee. And how 'bout passing the baton once in a while?

With a few notable exceptions, elderly Democratic politicians ought to get out of the way, make room for the next generation and stop engaging in these vanity projects. Haven't they heard of retirement? Isn't there more to life than working till you drop? Don't they have any outside interests like hobbies, etc.?

W_HAMILTON

(9,683 posts)
40. There absolutely zero indication Platner is more electable.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:37 PM
Tuesday

I don't even think Platner had ever been elected to anything, much less being more electable than the sitting governor of his state.

The fact that Cook moved this race to a toss-up after Mills announced her candidacy -- but not after Platner announced his -- is even further proof of this.

And older Democrats could get out of the way if the younger generation would put in the effort they did and were ready to have the baton passed to.

After getting burned by Fetterman, I'm sorry, but "I support Sanders and Sanders supports me" is not a good enough reason to vote for someone.

We progressives need to vet our self-proclaimed progressive candidates better and one way to do that is by them cutting their teeth on lower office before they decide to run for one of the most important political offices in the country.

muriel_volestrangler

(104,989 posts)
70. Evidence in reply #69
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:05 PM
Tuesday

A poll where, once a mini-bio of each candidate was given, Platner gets a larger lead over Collins than Mills does. So he has a year to get known.

AZProgressive

(29,748 posts)
75. Fetterman was easy to vet
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:23 PM
Tuesday

I saw red flags when he wanted to stop wearing masks and send kids back to school sooner than most people. He also supported continuing Title 42 which was supposed to be a Covid policy so that alone showed he was a hypocrite.

There was also the jogger case.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
49. ".. a few notable exceptions.. "? Who might they be?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 03:25 PM
Tuesday

I think Gov Janet Mills is One of those Notable Exceptions"..

Torchlight

(5,890 posts)
102. What should the cut-off age be to run?
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:50 AM
Yesterday

And on what objective standard is that number measured on?

SpankMe

(3,614 posts)
29. Angus King, the other Maine US Senator, is 81
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 11:57 AM
Tuesday

He's an Independent who caucuses with Democrats and was just elected. His term goes thru 2031 - for cripe's sake!

Torchlight

(5,890 posts)
30. One of her first acts as governor was to sign an executive order
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:03 PM
Tuesday

to carry out the expansion of Maine's Medicaid program, and in 2022, she green-lit Maine state supplemental budget, which included free community college for students of the class of 202-23.

I know very little about her or her state, but upon first reflection she seems a solid candidate.

Easterncedar

(5,043 posts)
96. Mills is not progressive, but a solid middle. Good executive. Stands her ground. A leader.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 08:00 AM
Yesterday

But I prefer Platner. Although skeptical at first, burned by hopes of Fetterman, I keep hearing good things from and about him. He is a progressive.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
110. Gov Mills has Won 2 State Wide Elections..
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 02:35 PM
Yesterday

I prefer her over Planter.

I like her Accomplishments and her Style.

Easterncedar

(5,043 posts)
112. No argument. She got us through the pandemic
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 03:48 PM
Yesterday

With the wonderful Dr. Nirav Shah. I will always be grateful to her for appointing him.

BlueTsunami2018

(4,686 posts)
31. Sure, another ancient establishment candidate.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:03 PM
Tuesday

Can’t have a guy like Platner. Young, progressive, ready to buck the corporate system. Why would we want that?

Cha

(315,016 posts)
53. Maine Re Elected Sen Angus King last Year
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 03:49 PM
Tuesday

who is 81... did ya roll your eyes at him?

There's more to be electable than being young.

BlueTsunami2018

(4,686 posts)
62. At what point do we go to new blood?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:26 PM
Tuesday

Yeah, I roll my eyes at a lot of these people. Entrenched status quo politicians are why the Democratic Party has such low approval ratings. Among other things.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
67. At the Right point and the Right People...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 05:03 PM
Tuesday

Since Gov Mills entered the Race Today it "Turned from leaning gop to a Toss Up".

She's a Popular Gov and "name recognition" for a Good Reason.

Personally from way out here on Kauai.. I don't like anyone that thinks they can win by "bashing Dems"

travelingthrulife

(3,521 posts)
106. I like Platner. I do appreciate that Mills was one of the first to stand up to Trump.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 10:20 AM
Yesterday

Not my state though. Certainly happy to see Susan gone.

jaymac

(60 posts)
99. yeah, but
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:24 AM
Yesterday

we have paid attention when he speaks in committee, or in interviews or in town halls. ideas mean more to us and mills is just out of them.
unfortunately mills is not in any way like king.......age aside.

mainer

(12,448 posts)
32. Mixed feelings about this.
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:03 PM
Tuesday

Janet has been great and right now she's feisty and energetic. But that age thing is an issue. I'm supporting her for now, but Graham Platner is the one getting everyone excited. I just want this primary to stay collegial, and I'm worried Platner will be too hostile.

leftstreet

(37,592 posts)
50. If Mills took on some progressive policies...
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 03:29 PM
Tuesday

...would she walk away with the primary?

And no I don't know which ones Mainers might go for

It's generally wages, healthcare, immigration, taxing billionaires, etc

Cha

(315,016 posts)
57. The Race just Turned to Toss Up with
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:09 PM
Tuesday

Gov Mills entering the Race.. from being "Leans gop.."That's exciting to me.

Mainers Re Elected Sen Angus King last year.. who is 81 as you know.

Not in Maine but this Race has the whole Country Interested in getting a Dem Senator Elected!

IronLionZion

(50,096 posts)
33. Susan Collins should be concerned
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:15 PM
Tuesday

2026 is likely to be a blue wave for Dems considering how things are going.

We need good Dems running everywhere.

DFW

(59,146 posts)
37. I think the OP had the key word: ELECTABLE
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:32 PM
Tuesday

Yes, her age, her age. I get it. She's not a teenager. But you saw her TV ad. She's not Chuck Grassley, either. She is a formidable speaker who wins elections.

I saw an article about Plattner, who is touted to be her main opponent. How predictable are we gonna get, here? Collins AND the Democratic Party are "proxies for corporations and wealthy interests that have used the political system for enrichment?" Wow, it's a good thing that I'm not a Maine Democrat, as I would NOT appreciate being labeled a "proxy for corporations and wealthy interests." Do we HAVE to use these slogans for the 596th time before people get turned off and tired of hearing them?

This is still the state that elected Susan Collins and Paul Le Page. We forget that at our peril. Fine, the choir is listening. But they aren't the only Democrats voting in this primary, and they sure as hell aren't only ones voting in the General Election next year, and we need ALL of them on board, or Maine's next senator will be a Republican. THEN you get your proxy for corporations and wealthy interests. Congratulations. The "no difference" crowd can go celebrate without me.

betsuni

(28,444 posts)
43. Calls himself a New Deal Democrat (used to be FDR Democrat) as if FDR wasn't a liberal Democrat
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 01:08 PM
Tuesday

he was democratic socialist and the Democratic Party has no idea what New Deal policies are because corrupt blah blah blah. Again! As we have seen, this has never worked. Sounds like same Justice Democrats/Our Revolution PACs. Make it stop.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
59. Wow.. Thanks for That.. I knew I didn't like
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:20 PM
Tuesday

GP.

There was a Poster on here a little while ago who said he was donating to him but then he kept bashing Dems so much he stopped.

BidenRocks

(2,381 posts)
42. Time For a Real Logan's Run'?
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 12:57 PM
Tuesday

I see the sentiment turn against the older folks.
First we're slow.
Then we old speak in proper English.
We write in complete understandable sentences.
Now I see the start of the purge.

Get rid of old people!

Over 70? Soylent!

Now Get Off My Lawn!






Jilly_in_VA

(13,284 posts)
55. I like her a lot, BUT
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:00 PM
Tuesday

she's 79 already. If I lived in Maine, I'd probably vote for the other guy...what's his name, Graham Platzner? I've liked what he's said alrerady.

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,402 posts)
66. Mills launches her Senate bid with 'no promises' to Schumer
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 04:36 PM
Tuesday

Mills is clear that she has made no promises to Chuck Schumer

Mills launches her Senate bid with ‘no promises’ to Schumer | Semafor
www.semafor.com/article/10/1...

Subconscious Proxy (@subconsciousproxy.bsky.social) 2025-10-14T16:35:34.435Z

https://www.semafor.com/article/10/14/2025/mills-launches-her-senate-bid-with-no-promises-to-schumer

Chuck Schumer may hope Maine Gov. Janet Mills wins the Democratic nomination to run against Susan Collins next fall, but Mills is still starting off by keeping her distance from him.

If Mills makes it to the Senate by navigating a tough primary and then beating Collins, she says Schumer will need to prove he’s worth her support to remain Democratic leader.

“Nobody in the state of Maine has asked me about Chuck Schumer. And I’ve actually met with him only once in my life, seven or eight months ago. And I’ve made no promises, no commitments, to anybody running for leadership,” Mills told Semafor in an interview.

“My vote is not guaranteed to Senator Schumer or anybody else; they’ll have to earn it,” she added.

The two-term governor’s decision to run for the Senate seat will no doubt cheer Schumer — and it instantly makes Maine’s campaign into one of the most important in the nation. First Mills will test whether Democrats have changed their electability calculus by taking on a crowded primary field, including 40-year-old oysterman Graham Platner, who opposes Schumer as leader.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
68. I guess that's smart.. Too bad Sen
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 05:10 PM
Tuesday

Chuck Schumer has just a bad rap.. he does a good job in the minority but he's the "boogey man"..

Cha

(315,016 posts)
87. Speaking of Sen Schumer.. Here's AOC giving
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:52 PM
Tuesday

him Props.. him & Rep Jeffries. :patriot

AOC: 'Republicans have been getting walloped by Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer'

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220695607

TY

Response to Cha (Reply #87)

RSH

(21 posts)
76. What about .
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:38 PM
Tuesday

Graham PLATNER. He sounds great and Bernie endorsed him. That's all I need to know!!!!!!!

ALBliberal

(3,125 posts)
77. Listened to a Meidas interview with her today
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 06:41 PM
Tuesday

I am very impressed. She’s a young 77. Fearless. And vows to only serve one term. She will win.

Norrrm

(3,147 posts)
79. Susan Collins' personal integrity
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 07:00 PM
Tuesday

Susan Collins was a 'right time, right place' candidate...
She was in a three person primary race and so far back she could not even see the other two candidates' tail lights.

The millionaire candidate sponsored an investigation of the evangelist candidate who got run out of a southern state because he was boinking his twelve year old babysitter.

The millionaire denied his involvement but the public turned against both him and the evangelist, leaving Susan Collins as the sole remaining candidate.
------------------
"I pledge that if I'm elected I will only serve two terms..."

North Coast Lawyer

(216 posts)
82. not good
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 07:29 PM
Tuesday

The old guard of the Democratic Party have shown over and over that they are unable to adapt to the new political reality we find ourselves in. I really wish that the establishment would support and nurture our young talent -- cause:

Your old road is rapidly agin'
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'

Cha

(315,016 posts)
86. I think it's Very Good! The Race Turned to Toss UP
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 07:50 PM
Tuesday

when Gov Mills announced her candidacy... she's a very progressive and popular governor.

Has won State wide Elections.. and She'll Fight for Mainers!

Cha

(315,016 posts)
115. Gov Mills has Won 2 State Wide Elections... she
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 05:47 PM
Yesterday

and Sen Angus King, who is 81 and was Reelected Last Year, will be Brilliant for Maine.

North Coast Lawyer

(216 posts)
117. We can thank them for their service.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 07:20 PM
Yesterday

But its time for the old guard to get out of the way and let younger people take the reigns.

BTW I'm 61 years old -- I know how hard it is to stand down. However, standing down is something all us old folks need to do.

America is full of great young people. We dinosaurs need to proudly facilitate their ascendance.

Cha

(315,016 posts)
119. It's not the age.. it's the person and what
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 10:20 PM
23 hrs ago

they have to offer.

Just because someone is young means nothing on what they can accomplish.

94. How to identify young talent?
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 05:21 AM
Yesterday

This is an honest question. Not a slam or a strawman.

How do you identify young talent for political leadership? And what is the right level to blood them in American politics?

The only thing I know about Plantner is what I just read on Wikipedia. Sounds like an interesting guy. I admit I am biased towards military backgrounds but know they are no guarantee of leadership potential. His positions mostly seem reasonable.

But he has never stood for office and never been elected. We have no idea how he will perform in a political context. Should his introduction to elected office be the US Senate?

I think Pete B has performed at both the local and national level so I could easily support him for a Senate run. I think the same now with AOC. I could see her moving into the Senate if she could convince enough rural/non-NYC voters in New York to elect her.

For political novices like Plantner, it seems that a local office or state legislative office might be a better context in which to learn the political trade - both getting elected and actually performing the job. I think the US Senate is too high stakes and high demand for a complete novice. Even a seat in the US House would be a better starting point - somewhat lower stakes.

How can we best grow our young politicians into effective legislators and leaders?

Somehow, I don't see throwing them into the deep end is the best answer.

North Coast Lawyer

(216 posts)
114. new talent is always peculating up
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 05:41 PM
Yesterday

New talent is always peculating up. Young people like AOC and Mamdani are all over the place. Our leadership needs to stop holding them back and start facilitating their rise.

phylny

(8,781 posts)
88. I live in Virginia and have already gotten three separate texts just today
Tue Oct 14, 2025, 09:57 PM
Tuesday

from her campaign asking for donations.

Morbius

(730 posts)
92. Okay.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 01:39 AM
Yesterday

She's old, and that's not ideal. But she fights the good fight, and right now we need every soldier we can get. I can't afford to send her any money, but she has my good wishes.

Susan Calvin

(2,367 posts)
98. She's showing up in my Facebook feed, even though I am in Texas.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:17 AM
Yesterday

The comments are running about 9 to 1 again, and almost everybody mentions Platner.

MaineNative

(60 posts)
100. This guy - Graham Platner
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:45 AM
Yesterday

is on my radar. He's drawing standing room only crowds at his speaking events. I hope he speaks at the Portland protest on October 18th, No Kings. The UAW just endorsed him. Check this out.

PunkinPi

(5,213 posts)
101. Glad to see this.
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:48 AM
Yesterday

Weird how no one has mentioned that Platner worked for Constellis (formerly Blackwater)...

Vogon_Glory

(10,095 posts)
103. Good luck to any Democrat who turns Susan Collins out of office
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 09:53 AM
Yesterday

Susan Collins’ fan dance should have ended years ago.

LetMyPeopleVote

(171,402 posts)
107. Emily's List has endorsed Governor Mills
Wed Oct 15, 2025, 10:23 AM
Yesterday

While Susan Collins bows down to Trump, Maine Gov. Janet Mills is fighting back and winning. She's always fought for a better future for the people of Maine, and now, she'll take that fight to the U.S. Senate. That's why we're thrilled to endorse Gov. Mills for election to the U.S. Senate today.

EMILYs List (@emilyslist.bsky.social) 2025-10-14T13:57:43.843Z
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