Graham Platner quit Maine’s U.S. Senate race last week after being accused of sexual assault, but his campaign committee remains flush with cash.
Platner’s campaign had more than $1.7 million cash on hand as of June 30, according to a new financial filing with the Federal Election Commission, as he had raked in cash from enthusiastic donors across the country.
But that money, were Platner’s campaign to give it away, may be politically toxic.
“That’s ‘Nazi accused rapist’ money,” a Democratic strategist in Maine, who is not working on the race and spoke on the condition of anonymity to maintain professional relationships, told NOTUS. “The best thing he could do is give it to a women’s charity, specifically an organization supporting rape victims.”
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Platner has denied he sexually assaulted anyone.
Platner’s campaign committee already refunded more than $43,000 to donors from late May to June 30, according to its new financial report. Those refunds came at a time when Platner was grappling with previous scandals, including his tattoo of a Nazi symbol and reports of sexual text messages with women who weren’t his wife.
Following Platner’s exit and the controversy surrounding his campaign, requests for refunds could increase.
Many political donors use the payment platform ActBlue to contribute to Democratic campaigns, and the site allows users to get refunds within 90 days of payment. Platner could also be obligated to pay back donors who contributed to his general election bid after dropping out.
Leftover funds may also be donated to charity, other federal campaign committees (up to $2,000) or used toward remaining campaign costs for the next six months.
Platner’s campaign could also surrender the money to the U.S. Treasury’s general fund.
Beyond refunds, Platner’s other campaign disbursements included $2,610 to IBEW Local 1837, an electrical utility and broadcasting workers’ union, for union dues. Platner’s staff unionized with the group in February.
Wednesday was also the filing deadline for candidates hoping to replace Platner on the ticket. Twelve candidates entered the race, although each will need 500 voter signatures to continue in the race.
The new nominee will face five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who raised $1.9 million from April 1 to June 30 and ended last month with more than $2.1 million in reserve.
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