Notwithstanding Gov. Mills’ departure from the U.S. Senate race, it is not too late for proper disclosures by other candidates.

The press, and we Democrats, should respectfully ask Graham Platner to disclose the assertions he made in his applications for his 100% VA disability rating, and offer detail as to how his mental health challenges may affect his capacity for stressful employment.

While a veteran with substantial abilities may yet have a significant disability rating under VA regulations, a 100% disability rating is unusual for a veteran seeking high office.

One way a veteran can obtain a 100% VA disability rating is by establishing his conditions render him unemployable, meaning unable to earn more than poverty level employment income. To the best of my understanding, Platner has not said whether he contended or whether the VA found his PTSD and other conditions meet that criteria, nor has he disclosed whether, after paying his wife a salary, he earns more than poverty-level income from his oyster business.

The administration knows these answers, and the current administration appears adept at timely leaks and investigations for partisan advantage. Platner should share reasonable information about his abilities and disabilities before the primary, and a responsible press should ask him to do so. We should not be surprised after it is too late.

Edward MacColl
Portland