Collins Discloses Tremor; Platner Faces Health, Tattoo Controversies

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine has publicly disclosed for the first time that she has a benign essential tremor, a condition she has lived with throughout her nearly three-decade career in the Senate.

The tremor causes trembling in her hands, head, and voice but does not interfere with her work. Collins confirmed this to WCSH-TV after facing questions about her health due to recent videos showing the condition. She stated that while it can be occasionally inconvenient and subject to online criticism, it has not affected her ability to perform her duties effectively.

Collins's disclosure comes as health issues and candidates' ages have drawn increased scrutiny in high-profile elections following President Biden’s decision not to seek reelection at age 81. Her likely opponent, Democrat Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and combat veteran, has also faced questions about his health due to chronic pain from combat service.

Platner acknowledged early in his campaign that he suffers from chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but continues to work as an oyster farmer. He stated, 'There are a lot of disabled combat veterans who still work,' according to the Los Angeles Times. Platner has also faced controversy over a Nazi-linked tattoo he received while serving in the Marines and past Reddit posts that have drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.

The Maine Senate race is one of the most closely watched this year, with Collins seeking reelection in a seat Democrats need to flip to regain control of the Senate. The campaign has highlighted age as an issue, with Collins at 73 and Platner at 41. As reported by Fox News, Collins remains confident that voters will see her opponent as too extreme for Maine.