Common Defense Statement issues on Attacks Against Graham Platner

Augusta, ME - As the nation’s largest grassroots veterans organization, Common Defense stands firmly behind Graham Platner. It’s disappointing to see political insiders attempting to smear a veteran over a tattoo rather than focusing on the real issues Maine veterans face—affordable housing, decent jobs, and access to care.

Common Defense proudly endorsed Graham Platner because he embodies the values of service, courage, and commitment that Maine—and our country—need in public office.

Perry O’Brien, Common Defense Co-Founder and Army veteran, said:

“As a Mainer and a veteran who served in Afghanistan, I find it embarrassing that people are trying to attack Graham Platner over a tattoo. Like Graham, I have a skull tattoo—and so do countless service members. These kinds of distractions say more about the people making them than about Graham.”

José Vasquez, Common Defense Executive Director and Army veteran, said:

“It’s disappointing that some people in power seem uncomfortable with a candidate who actually served on the frontlines for this country, and who has the scars—and the tattoos—to prove it. Smearing a veteran over a common military tattoo is a cheap distraction from what really matters: who will stand up and fight for Mainers.”

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Common Defense Civic Engagement (501c4) (CDCE) is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched powers that have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy, where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.