PORTLAND, Maine — Old online comments made by a U.S. Senate candidate in Maine in which the candidate appeared to endorse political violence, dismiss rape in the military and criticize both police officers and rural America were wrong but not disqualifying from office, the national chair of the Democratic Party said.

Graham Platner is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine that has been held by Republican Susan Collins since 1997. He faces a crowded field for the nomination that also includes Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who announced her candidacy last week.

CNN first reported last week on old Reddit posts made by Platner that he had deleted since entering the Senate race, and several media outlets followed, revealing separate controversial posts. The posts were made between 2013

See Full Page