Signs Supporting Graham Platner for US Senate are Popping up All Over Portland like Spring Flowers Following a Cold Winter.

Portland’s Elder Statesman is Harold Pachios, a Founding Partner of Preti Flaherty, Who Served as Associate Press Secretary in the President Lyndon B.  Johnson Administation.  He Has Also Served as the Chair of the Maine Democratic Party.

Earlier this week Axios reported that Governor Janet T. Mills (D) is expected to announce her campaign  challenging the spineless Senator Susan Collins (R) for the right to retain her Senate seat early next week; maybe Tuesday, October 14.  Meanwhile, her communications staff in Augusta remains moot and at times arrogant and defensive on the matter.

Although Mills is a popular governor for good reason and Collins is in a steady decline for good reason, the Mills’  pipe dream to unseat the spineless Collins is just that.  Mills’ success in Maine is no precursor for success in Washington, DC.  There is no comparison between the two political jungles; an occasional successful visit to the White House does not make that clear.

Governor Mills is 77 years old now.  She would be 80 years old or close to it if she were to unseat the spineless Collins.  That is too senior to start another chapter in her public service career.

Furthermore, the Governor is too restrained and laid back in her approach to politics.  This blogger was “sushed” by the Governor during a debate at Hannaford Hall at USM during her first campaign for Governor. Many Portlanders believe she is too moderate in her politics as well – for example, she doesn’t support the red flag proposal on the upcoming November 4th ballot.

To the contrary, Graham Platner, 41, has captured the enthusiasm of voters who want “fresh blood” from a new generation of progressives.  A much younger Mr. Platner is feisty and unafraid to name his enemy – “oligarchy.”   His candidacy has sparked a wildfire of enthusiasm among voters unlike anything in recent history. Mr. Platner is  just what Maine voters crave at this crucial point in our nation’s history.  Having served four tours of duty overseas as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan, he is battle tested as few are.  He’s battle ready to stand up to a President who never served in the military because of bone spurs.

Early last week this blogger participated in a telephone poll focused on  a comparison of  Governor Mills and Mr. Platner.  At the time, the Governor was on record as announcing her future politicial path sometime in November.  But following that d-e-t-a-i-l-e-d survey the Governor allegedly moved up her announcement date to next week – mid October.  That could be because she realized how entrenched in and committed to Mr. Platner’s candidacy voters are – she has to try to play catch up quickly.  But her “dog and pony” shows criss-crossing the state will not close the gap that confronts her expected candidacy nowl; She will be 77 years old  until she turns 78 years old until she turns…..,,,,…….

In a telephone conversation yesterday morning with elder statesman Harold C. Pachios, he remained even handed and diplomatic in the competition between Governor Mills and Graham Platner.   Mr. Pachios said that “if she runs it would be interesting.”  He refused to offer his sought after opinion on whether or not she should run or not,  He claimed to be out of politics for many years now and so “the Governor knows more about elections than I do.”  Of Mr. Platner, Mr. Pachios said that “Bernie followers in Portland are powerful.  There are a lot of them here.”   He acknowledged that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders had recently endorsed Mr. Platner at a rally at Cross Arena in Portland.

Mr Pachios is a graduate of Princeton University and Georgetown Law School.  He served as Associate Press Secretary under Bill Moyers during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson.    He also assisted the task force that wrote the federal legislation creating the Office of Equality Opportunity, helping to develop legislation to launch Head Start, VISTA and Job Corps, among other programs.

“It’s time to pass the torch to the next generation, Governor,” suggests this blogger.  “Step aside, but with our deep gratitude for your wit, wisdom, integrity, and dedication to improving the lives of All Mainers.”

For more background information on the race, please visit post herein dated September 11, 2025.