The party can’t fire you

Considering controversy and the consequences of stubbornness in Senate races

Jul 10, 2026

∙ Paid

Graham Platner peeks through the door before walking out for his town hall at the Elks Lodge #188 on June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine. (Photo by Laura Brett/Stringer via Getty Images)

There is a particular kind of helplessness that settles over a political party when a candidate it needs to win becomes a candidate it cannot defend. Early this week, that …

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