Democrats Admit Error Ignoring Conservative Accusations Against Maine Senate Candidate

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., acknowledged Wednesday that Democrats made a mistake by failing to take seriously sexual misconduct allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner simply because one of his accusers is conservative.

The admission comes as Platner faces growing calls from fellow Democrats to end his campaign against Republican Sen. Susan Collins following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct he has denied.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” co-host Dana Perino asked Dingell whether Democrats mishandled allegations first raised by a former girlfriend of Platner.

Perino inquired: “Do you think the Democrats made a mistake in not believing Lyndsey Fifield, the conservative who brought the concerns to The New York Times?”

Dingell responded: “Yes. I didn’t sleep the other night.” She added that she has written an op-ed about when parties will actually believe those who come forward, noting, “We have made progress, but we haven’t changed.”

Fifield has accused Platner of physically abusing her during their relationship, including leaving bruises on her arms and removing condoms without her consent. Platner denies all wrongdoing and claims he never became physical with her.

The allegations expanded after another former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, accused him in interviews with Politico and other outlets of sexual assault. Platner has denied these claims as well.

Earlier this week, Fifield criticized The New York Times for emphasizing her conservative political background over the substance of her accusations and stated that the newspaper declined to corroborate her account despite being offered sources.

Dingell has publicly broken with members of her own party over Platner’s candidacy. Speaking to CNN this week, she said she was “yelled at” by colleagues after declining to support him and indicated more allegations could surface: “Quite frankly, I am told that there are more.”