Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Friday criticized Democrats’ handling of controversies surrounding Senate candidate Graham Platner, arguing the party is willing to overlook problematic behavior in pursuit of political power.
In an interview, Jordan was asked about Platner, a Democrat seeking to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine, amid a series of allegations and revelations that have drawn scrutiny to the race and the lawmakers who support him.
Many liberals, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., continue backing Platner since they view the seat as one of their top pickup opportunities in the midterms.
Platner has been the subject of reports alleging he sexted other women while married, social media posts mocking a wounded American service member injured in a Taliban attack, and sexually explicit posts on Reddit.
Jordan did not address the specific allegations in detail but used the controversy to launch a broader criticism of the Democratic Party.
“Well, that’s always been the case with Democrats,” Jordan said. “It’s all about maintaining power.
They will take any crazy position as long as it furthers their ability to win elections and get power and frankly, to go against anyone that goes against President Trump.”
The lawmaker said he believes Democrats routinely prioritize political objectives over concerns about candidates’ conduct or policy positions.
“So yeah, we’ll see how this all shakes out,” Jordan said.
Jordan then broadened his criticism beyond the Maine Senate race, arguing that many Democrats’ positions on a range of issues have become increasingly extreme.
“You know, I think the Democrats, every single position they now take seems crazy,” he said. “Whether it’s candidates with Nazi tattoos or whatever to everything on abortion or excuse me, on the border, on sanctuary cities, you name it.”
Jordan echoed a line frequently used by President Donald Trump and other Republicans to contrast the two parties.
“So yeah, I always say, as the president said, it’s crazy versus common sense,” Jordan said. “And they take every crazy position you can imagine.”
