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Platner Dismisses Sexting Scandal, Leads 51% Poll

6/3/2026

37 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Platner’s campaign called the sexting revelations gossip and said media focus distracts from his health-care and education proposals.
Former campaign director Genevieve McDonald released the sexting texts to the press, prompting Platner’s wife Amy Gertner to say she felt betrayed.
A University of New Hampshire poll showed Platner leading Collins 51 percent to 42 percent in the general election.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 Lewinsky scandal sparked an impeachment inquiry on Oct 8 1998, led by House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and resulted in the House approving two articles on Dec 19 1998. Independent Counsel Ken Starr’s report triggered a 21-day Senate trial that ended with Clinton’s acquittal on Feb 12 1999. The episode shows how personal scandals can dominate electoral narratives.

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Story summary

Platner’s campaign called the sexting revelations gossip and said media focus distracts from his health-care and education proposals.
Former campaign director Genevieve McDonald released the sexting texts to the press, prompting Platner’s wife Amy Gertner to say she felt betrayed.
A University of New Hampshire poll showed Platner leading Collins 51 percent to 42 percent in the general election.

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