Voters in Four States Hold Primaries Tuesday
Primary elections take place Tuesday in Maine, South Carolina, Nevada and one additional state. The Democratic Senate primary in Maine draws the most attention amid scrutiny of the leading candidate.
indianexpress.comVoters in four states head to the polls Tuesday for primaries that will test candidate support in several contested races. The Democratic Senate primary in Maine is the most closely watched contest. Candidate Graham Platner faces his first ballot test after months of scrutiny over past online comments and personal conduct allegations.
Platner has held a commanding lead in primary polls despite the controversies. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills suspended her campaign earlier but remains on the ballot. A sizable vote share for Mills could signal reservations among primary voters about Platner’s candidacy.
Platner has disputed claims of physical intimidation and said the most serious allegations were false and politically motivated. Recent polls conducted before the latest revelations showed a competitive general election matchup between Platner and five-term GOP Sen.
Susan Collins.
Republican primary voters in South Carolina will also decide a crowded governor primary. President Donald Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in the race. If no candidate clears 50 percent, the top two vote-getters advance to a June 23 runoff. Trump participated in a tele-rally Monday night for Sen. Lindsey Graham, who faces five opponents in his reelection bid.
Bush is one of eight candidates seeking the party’s nomination for governor. Former Navy intelligence officer Bobby Charles is viewed as the front-runner. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo seeks a second term and faces six primary challengers. Democrat Aaron Ford also faces five opponents in his party’s primary for governor.
Jared Golden’s retirement leaves an open seat. Republican former Gov. Paul LePage is seeking a comeback in the race.
