AUGUSTA — A new poll shows presumptive U.S. Senate Democratic nominee Graham Platner seven points ahead of Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a key race with national implications.
The Pan Atlantic Omnibus Poll shows Platner at 48%, Collins at 41%, with 11% undecided. The poll was conducted May 8-18 and is based on a sample of 827 likely voters with a margin of error of 3.7%.
When broken down by congressional district, Collins leads Platner in the 2nd District 45% to 41%, while in the 1st District, Platner leads Collins 56% to 36%, the poll shows.
The race narrowed to a likely matchup between Collins and Platner on April 30 when Gov. Janet Mills, a two-term Democrat, dropped out of the June 9 primary against Platner. Mills cited a lack of money as the primary reason, although polling showed her trailing Platner by a wide margin.
Democrats voting in the primary can also choose David Costello of Brunswick, a longtime state and federal employee.
Pan Atlantic, one of the few independent pollsters in Maine, also broke down results by gender and education.
Among women, 53% support Platner, with 34% choosing Collins. Men favored Collins over Platner, 47% to 44%. When it comes to those with less than a four-year degree, the two essentially tied, with 44% choosing Collins and 43% Platner.
Those with a four-year degree or higher chose Platner (56%) over Collins (36%).
The Senate race in Maine is considered an essential part of a multi-state strategy advanced by Democrats hoping to take control of the chamber in November.
