The best the Maine Democratic Party could put on the debate stage Thursday night was a candidate whose top qualification is writing songs. Ashley Webb, a transgender Democratic hopeful running to replace disgraced nominee Graham Platner, was asked a simple question at the WCSH-6 debate in Portland: what qualifies you to serve in the United States Senate?
The answer deserves to be quoted in full. “I ran for office several times, didn’t win, but I did run and then, I’m a songwriter and then I write my own books.”
Conservative commentator Dave Rubin’s response on X said everything: “Surely you can’t be serious.”
Webb is one of eight candidates competing for a shot at the nomination, which will be decided at a Maine Democratic Party convention on July 25. The field includes former Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former state Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine CDC Director Nirav Shah, and Maine Beer Co. Co-founder Dan Kleban, among others. Eight candidates. One of them thought the most compelling argument for why voters should trust them with a Senate seat was their Spotify catalog.
The Senate race in Maine is one of a dozen races that could flip control of the chamber. Democrats know that. They know Susan Collins is beatable on a good night. And this is the bench they’ve assembled. This is the talent pool.
Webb also entered into a critique of ICE during the answer. “We’re being deceived right now, like we get lied to, smoke and mirrors, like what’s going on with ICE.” It’s almost impressive to go from personal qualifications to immigration enforcement grievances in the same breath without pausing to notice the detour.
The convention is July 25. Whoever comes out of it will spend the fall trying to convince Mainers they’re ready for the world’s greatest deliberative body. One of the people throwing their hat in the ring thinks being a songwriter is relevant experience for that job.
