AP
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Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for US Senate in Maine, stated Wednesday {that a} tattoo on his chest has been covered to now not mirror a picture extensively recognized as a Nazi symbol.
Platner stated he obtained the cranium and crossbones tattoo in 2007, when he was in his 20s and within the Marine Corps. It occurred throughout an evening of consuming whereas he was on depart in Croatia, he stated, including he was unaware till not too long ago that the picture has been related to Nazi police.
Platner, in an Associated Press interview, stated that whereas his marketing campaign initially stated he would take away the tattoo, he selected to cowl it up with one other tattoo because of the restricted choices the place he lives in rural Maine.
“Going to a tattoo removal place is going to take a while,” he stated. “I wanted this thing off my body.”
Platner added that he had by no means been questioned in regards to the tattoo’s connections to Nazi symbols within the 20 years he has had it. He stated it was there when he enlisted within the Army, which requires an examination for tattoos of hate symbols.
“I also passed a full background check to receive a security clearance to join the ambassador to Afghanistan’s security detail,” Platner stated.
Questions in regards to the tattoo come after the current discovery of Platner’s now-deleted on-line statements that included dismissing navy sexual assaults, questioning Black patrons’ gratuity habits and criticizing cops and rural Americans.
Platner has apologized for these feedback, saying they have been made after he left the Army in 2012, when he was fighting post-traumatic stress dysfunction and melancholy.
The oyster farmer and first-time political candidate is mounting a progressive marketing campaign towards Republican Susan Collins, who has held the Senate seat for 30 years. The crowded Democratic major discipline consists of two-term Gov. Janet Mills.
Platner has resisted calls to drop out of the race. He has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont unbiased who has described Platner as a stronger candidate for the seat than Mills.
Platner deliberate a city corridor Wednesday in Ogunquit, Maine.