Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has faced criticism from veterans and Republican lawmakers over past comments he made about military personnel, according to multiple reports.

The controversy centers on comments in which Platner allegedly referred to soldiers using derogatory language and mocked a Purple Heart recipient who had been wounded in combat. Combat veterans and GOP senators have denounced these remarks, though the specific context and timing of the original comments were not detailed in available reports.

Separately, Platner appeared at a Bernie Sanders rally in Portland, Maine, where he embraced democratic socialist positions. During the event, held approximately one week before Maine's primary elections, Platner reportedly stumbled over Sanders' name twice while delivering a speech.

At the rally, Platner condemned U.S. support for Israel and criticized Senator Susan Collins, according to reports. The event was described as part of a "Fight the Oligarchy" rally theme.

Platner is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Maine. The primary election is scheduled for the coming week, though the exact date was not specified in available reporting.