Senate Democrats tread lightly on Maine primary as new poll shows Graham Platner leading Janet Mills

The survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire found Platner leading Mills 58% to 24% among likely primary voters, with 14% undecided. It was conducted from Oct. 16 to Oct. 21, amid revelations of inflammatory online posts by Platner, but before he said he covered up a tattoo after his campaign was informed it resembled a Nazi symbol.

Who wants to bet the odds will change in Platner's favor after the tattoo incident. Or maybe the act of covering it up will be seen as damaging to your typikkkal Maine voter. Only time will tell.

Mills and Platner each have a strong ally who is sticking by them, while the rest of the caucus is largely steering clear of the Mills-Platner battle. Not one senator said Platner’s tattoo or other controversies were disqualifying, and several acknowledged he’s bringing excitement to a party that has been struggling in the political wilderness since President Donald Trump took back power in January.

Platner is “exciting,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., as he waved away questions about his recent controversies. “Mainers will figure it out.”

The kid: