In a swift and unexpected development, Graham Platner's newly appointed campaign manager, Kevin Brown, has resigned after less than a week in the role. This recent exit marks yet another upheaval within a campaign already struggling to stabilize in the face of relentless controversies.

The resignation was first brought to light by Axios and adds to the series of challenges facing Platner, a progressive oyster farmer and Maine Senate candidate. Platner has been under intense scrutiny after a number of his past Reddit posts surfaced, revealing endorsements of political violence, dismissive remarks about sexual assault in the military, and self-proclaimed communist views.

Kevin Brown, a seasoned political strategist with experience working for notable Democrats like Barack Obama and Elizabeth Warren, cited personal reasons for his departure. "Graham is a dear friend,” Brown stated to POLITICO. "I started this campaign Tuesday but found out Friday we have a baby on the way. Graham deserves someone who is 100% in on his race, and we want to lean into this new experience as a family. It was best we step back sooner than later so Graham can get the manager he deserves."

Despite efforts to distance himself from his controversial comments, Platner has been trying to redirect the narrative. He recently explained in a video that his comments were a reflection of his mental state post-deployment to Afghanistan and do not represent his current beliefs.

Adding to the campaign's woes, POLITICO reported that Platner has been embroiled in another controversy involving a tattoo that resembles a Nazi symbol, which he claims to have gotten without knowledge of its implications nearly two decades ago. Platner has since had the tattoo covered up.

Amidst these challenges, Platner's campaign has also brought on an in-house attorney and hired a compliance firm linked to progressive candidates. Moreover, they have issued non-disclosure agreements to staffers, indicating a tightening grip on internal communications.

Despite the establishment's support for his Democratic primary opponent, Maine Governor Janet Mills, Platner has continued to lead in the polls. As the campaign grapples with these ongoing issues, the political landscape in Maine remains fraught with tension, leaving voters watching closely as the drama unfolds.