Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday endorsed political outsider Graham Platner , the populist oyster farmer running to oust Maine ’s Republican Sen. Susan Collins .

While national Democrats have been eyeing Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) for the Senate race, Platner arrived as an unexpected progressive contender, pitching himself to those frustrated with the party’s inefficacy in Congress and growing class inequality.

“We need senators in Washington who are prepared to take on the billionaire class and fight for working people,” Sanders said in a statement . “This is why I am proud to endorse Graham Platner for U.S. Senate.”

He added, “Graham is a Marine and Army National Guard veteran, an oyster farmer, and a proud member of America’s working class. He’s a Mainer throug

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