Graham Platner, battling controversies from his past, is revamping his Maine Senate campaign by appointing a new manager and enforcing stricter compliance measures, including issuing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to his campaign staff. Platner's move to restructure comes as he attempts to navigate through a series of damaging revelations that have put his candidacy under scrutiny.

This week, Kevin Brown, known for his role in the presidential campaigns of Elizabeth Warren and Barack Obama, was announced as the new campaign manager. Although Brown has not previously worked in Maine, his experience is expected to steer Platner's campaign during this tumultuous period. Additionally, the campaign has engaged an in-house attorney and Spruce Street Consulting, a firm known for its connections with progressive figures, to handle compliance issues.

Amidst emerging details of Platner's controversial social media history, his campaign began distributing NDAs last week. Genevieve McDonald, Platner’s former political director, disclosed to POLITICO that she was offered $15,000 to sign an NDA, an offer she declined. "I quit my job to work on Platner’s campaign, believing it was something different than it is," McDonald said. The campaign has described the $15,000 as a standard severance package, asserting that it does not require departing staff to sign NDAs retroactively.

Platner has faced backlash for past behaviors, including offensive Reddit posts and a regrettable tattoo of a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered. Despite apologies for his past actions, these revelations have cast a shadow over his campaign.

The timing of these controversies coincides with Governor Janet Mills entering the primary, intensifying the competition. Platner, who initially gained popularity through viral videos promoting a progressive platform, now finds his campaign's future uncertain as he deals with the fallout from his past.

In a recent development, a poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center indicates that Platner is currently leading Mills in the primary race, despite the controversies. This suggests that while the recent revelations have undoubtedly impacted his campaign, they have not yet fully swayed public opinion.

As the campaign undergoes these significant changes, the political landscape continues to evolve, leaving observers to question whether Platner can maintain his lead and restore his public image in time for the election.