Democrats are cannibals. If we don’t stop preying on our own in the face of peril, we will cease to exist. Case in point? Graham Platner.

Platner, a candidate who has managed to convince his deeply Republican neighbors of the threat the current administration poses to both them and the country, has suddenly gained the attention of the national media in his quest to unseat Susan Collins.

In a recent article covering Platner’s history and sensational rise, his fellow Democratic competitors chose to turn on him like jackals. Rather than recognize him as a highly qualified contender with a significant and growing following, they are choosing to tear him down in a jealous rage while they remain mired in comparative irrelevance — and the Republican Party looks on with glee.

At the risk of causing some offense, Gov. Janet Mills should not run for this office. Mills has been an outstanding governor, for whom I campaigned, but she is 77 years old, and with due respect for the elderly (I am a member of this group), she should not be the face of our party, for this seat, in this moment.

With Mills’ considerable influence — along with those running for this Senate seat, who in their heart of hearts know they don’t have a chance in hell of beating Sen. Susan Collins — support should be thrown behind Platner, allowing him to take full advantage of his momentum and creating the runway for him to become a truly formidable contender.

Laurie Cameron
Portland