Primary results in Maine, Nevada, South Carolina, North Dakota

Getting the most attention on Tuesday were Democrat Graham Platner’s victory in Maine and President Trump’s dominance of Republicans.

Here are some highlights:

Maine
Platner, a veteran and oyster farmer, is "at the very center of the Democratic Party’s fight to reclaim the Senate majority” and is trying to "rebuild his credibility in a campaign rocked by controversy,” says The Associated Press.

"Platner has acknowledged his rocky past, attributing much of it to his disillusionment after serving in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan,” says Maine Public Radio. "But he also says his political opponents are using it to tear his life apart and to distract from a policy agenda that threatens the political establishment and the movement he’s building.”

Revelations surfaced in recent days that Platner had engaged in sexually explicit messages with multiple women while married. Allies wondered if more issues would come out, and then The New York Times reported new allegations about his behavior during previous relationships.

Platner’s mother took the stage before Platner’s victory speech Tuesday, saying: “I am very, very proud of my son. I’m proud of who he is.” And Platner’s wife appeared at his side before and after his speech.

I’ve heard Platner described as a “natural politician.” Jim Messina, who led former President Obama’s reelection campaign, said Platner’s speech was so good that “a star is born.”

Nevada
GOP Gov. Joe Lombardo will face Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford in a battle to hold onto his seat in November, setting up what’s considered one of the most competitive governor’s races in the country, says AP.

South Carolina
"Republican firebrand Rep. Nancy Mace lost her GOP primary for South Carolina governor, potentially ending her rollercoaster political career,” says Politico.

The Trump-endorsed candidate, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson advanced to a runoff June 23.

North Dakota
Republican U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak, who was endorsed by Trump, will defend her seat in the general election after defeating Alex Balazs, who was endorsed by the North Dakota Republican Party, reports North Dakota Monitor.

Note to readers

I’m going to take Thursday and Friday off for some social justice and shared humanity activities. See you on Monday, June 15.

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