Susan Collins slammed for saying it was challenger Graham Platner's 'decision' to serve in Iraq War

AUBURN, MAINE: Sen Susan Collins (R-Maine) is facing criticism after responding to comments from Democratic Senate challenger Graham Platner, a Marine veteran, about her past support for the Iraq War.

Collins argued that Platner voluntarily chose to enlist and was “not drafted,” after he said earlier this month that Collins had “voted to send me to Iraq.” The exchange quickly drew backlash from Democratic lawmakers, many of whom argued that Collins was sidestepping the role Congress played in authorizing and funding the war.

The dispute has intensified an already contentious Senate race in Maine ahead of the state’s June 9 Democratic primary.

Susan Collins defends Iraq War record after challenger Graham Platner’s criticism

Speaking during a campaign stop in Auburn, Collins pushed back against Platner’s remarks linking her Senate votes to his deployment in Iraq. “First of all, he not only enlisted twice after the war was started, but he also went to work for a security company, a controversial one named Blackwater, after his term of service was over,” she said. 

“So I respect anyone who steps forward to serve their country, but the fact is that it was Platner’s decision to serve. He was not drafted.”

The comments came after Platner said earlier this month that Collins had “voted to send me to Iraq” through her support for the war. “Susan Collins voted to support starting the war in Iraq,” the Democrat said. “On three occasions after that, she voted against withdrawing troops, she voted to fund the war.”

Collins also referenced past controversies involving Platner, including deleted social media posts and criticism surrounding a tattoo. He has denied allegations surrounding the tattoo and previously refused to apologize for deleted Reddit posts in which he mocked Purple Heart recipient Ted Daniels and wrote that the veteran “didn’t deserve to live.”

Veterans, Democratic lawmakers condemn Susan Collins’ remarks

Collins’ comments triggered immediate criticism, particularly from Democratic elected officials who argued that lawmakers who voted for the Iraq War bear responsibility for sending troops into combat.

“It was Collins’ decision to vote and support the Iraq War,” Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), a former Marine, wrote on social media. “Not understanding the difference between the power of a Senator to send our men and women to war and teenagers signing up to serve their country is disqualifying.”

Rep Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania), a former Navy officer, also criticized the Maine senator, writing, “You voted for it. Do you tell the kids and widows of the Iraq War dead that it was their fallen hero’s fault for enlisting?”

Platner himself responded to Collins' statement, arguing, "There hasn’t been a draft in over 50 years. Every single one of the 7,000 young men and women Susan Collins sent to die in Iraq and Afghanistan enlisted." 

"What a disgusting slap in the face to their families and a callous disregard for their sacrifice," he added.

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