The primary task of a U.S. senator is to pass legislation. They make consequential decisions of national and global importance. They also approve presidential appointees and provide government oversight. The word “senator” derives from the Latin “senectus,” meaning “old.” The implication being that older adults have a lifetime of experience, contacts and resources to draw from. Let’s compare Janet Mills’ and Graham Platner’s qualifications.

Platner’s experience is largely that of a soldier. He spent roughly 10 years as a machine gunner in the U.S. Marines and a rifleman in the Maryland National Guard. Those experiences included honorable but traumatic tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. More recently, he has served as chair of the Sullivan Planning Board and a harbor master. He operates an oyster farm.

Mills, on the other hand, served as Maine Democratic campaign chair, was elected to the Maine House of Representatives (three terms), named Maine’s attorney general (four terms) and served as Maine’s governor (two terms). Mills also graduated from UMass Boston and achieved a Juris Doctorate from Maine Law. Platner eventually withdrew from George Washington University.

There can be no question that Mills’ experience as a lawyer, legislator and political executive vastly outweighs that of Platner. Her work experience is also within the realm of politics and civil administration. Whereas, aside from volunteering at the Sullivan Planning Board (population 1,303), Platner’s political work experience is nonexistent, unrelated or peripheral to the demands of the position of U.S. senator. 

Tim Robinson
Portland