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WhiskeyGrinder

(27,455 posts)

9. WSJ: The 'Mad Scientist' Behind Graham Platner's Scandal-Plagued Rise

Reply to senseandsensibility (Original post)

Mon Jul 6, 2026, 08:39 PM

15 hrs ago

https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/the-mad-scientist-behind-graham-platners-scandal-plagued-rise-96f68810

Rushing to launch Graham Platner’s Senate bid, Dan Moraff, a progressive up-and-comer and Platner’s top strategist, asked a Democratic research firm to vet the political novice.

A thorough background check of a Senate candidate, which has become standard practice in key races, can take several weeks and cost roughly $20,000 or a monthly retainer. Moraff asked for an expedited, cheaper review to be done within days, according to people familiar with the matter.

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4 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

tishaLA calimary rictofen Blasphemer

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Highlight:

Ron Filipkowski's take on the Platner situation [View all] senseandsensibility 17 hrs ago OP

There are a lot of scumbags in this industry WSHazel 17 hrs ago #1

All I can say is I hope that we learn from this senseandsensibility 17 hrs ago #2

What did we learn? 3Hotdogs 15 hrs ago #6

Make damn sure we KNOW our people, especially our potential candidates. calimary 15 hrs ago #11

!00% agree with Ron - as usual. nt TBF 16 hrs ago #3

All it took was a look at the Nazi tattoo and his Redditt posts mcar 16 hrs ago #4

People are working extra hours or jobs trying to survive inflation, etc Jarqui 15 hrs ago #5

Yes exactly senseandsensibility 15 hrs ago #7

it didn't take genius thinking to know something was off Skittles 15 hrs ago #8

People who vet candidates for U.S. Senate are not trying to survive inflation. WhiskeyGrinder 15 hrs ago #10

Well they ought to add a bunch who are trying to survive inflation because Jarqui 9 hrs ago #14

WSJ: The 'Mad Scientist' Behind Graham Platner's Scandal-Plagued Rise WhiskeyGrinder 15 hrs ago #9

Just me... I woulda thought the Nazi tat was a disqualifier lol WarGamer 15 hrs ago #12

So blame Bernie Sanders and his consultants? W_HAMILTON 15 hrs ago #13