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RNC trolls DNC, Maine Democratic Party in letter offering to help restore trust, 'defend democracy’

The RNC sent a tongue-in-cheek letter offering election lawyers and trained observers to Democrats as Maine scrambles to replace Graham Platner.

Published July 20, 2026, 9:49 AM
Updated July 20, 2026, 10:00 AM4.5K
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RNC trolls DNC, Maine Democratic Party in letter offering to help restore trust, 'defend democracy’

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The Republican National Committee is trolling the Democratic National Committee and the Maine Democratic Party with an offer to provide election lawyers, trained observers and other resources as Democrats scramble to replace disgraced Senate primary candidate Graham Platner.

"So, in a spirit of generosity we hope will not go unnoticed, the RNC formally offers our election integrity resources and personnel to ensure a process worthy of Democrat voters’ confidence," read a copy of the letter obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital. "Mainers deserve a nomination that is fair, accessible, and free from disenfranchisement — and it never hurts to have professionals in the room."

The tongue-in-cheek letter is expected to be sent Monday morning from the RNC to DNC chair Ken Martin and Maine Democratic Party Chair Charles Dingman, the RNC election integrity unit told Fox News Digital.

PLATNER ALLY TROY JACKSON CLOSING IN ON DEMOCRATIC SENATE NOD IN KEY RACE TO FACE COLLINS

Maine Democratic debate

From left, U.S. Senate candidates David Costello, Elizabeth Dickerson, Dan Kleban, and Ashley Webb prepare for a televised debate at the WCSH-6 studio, Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Portland, Maine.  (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

The letter unwinds many of the Democratic Party platform's attacks on Republicans in a week that featured an unusual Democratic Party debate and President Donald Trump's primetime White House address on election integrity.

"The RNC has a deep bench of experienced election attorneys, trained observers, a dedicated State Election Integrity Director, and nationwide election integrity resources — all standing by to assist with convention procedures, delegate credentialing, ballot-counting transparency, and election law compliance," the letter read, pointing to its multi-million dollar midterm election integrity ground game. "We built this operation to protect elections from exactly this kind of chaos. We simply never expected the loudest cries for help to come from inside your own house.

"As our friends on the left never tire of reminding us, 'democracy dies in darkness.' We are offering to turn on the lights."

MEET THE DEMOCRATS GUNNING TO REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER

Republicans have received criticism for questioning election integrity, but the RNC letter attempted to turn the table back on the Democrats, during a key Senate race in Maine that could help determine the Senate majority this November.

"We also request clarification on whether your nominating convention will include the basic safeguards every election deserves: voter identification, proof of residency, and independent observation," the letter continued, pointing to apparent hypocrisy. "We ask in a spirit of thoroughness, not suspicion. Mostly thoroughness."

"We further understand that proxy voting will not be permitted," the letter said. "I’m pleased to hear your party discover, at last, the merits of in-person voting — and to learn that when the stakes are highest for Democrats, you too believe there is no substitute for showing up and casting a ballot yourself."

When Platner suspended his Senate campaign before the July deadline after winning the nomination in June, he called out the party's "establishment" for forcing its will over the will of voters.

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"For his part, Mr. Platner announced the suspension of his campaign by insisting that his replacement come from "'the people of Maine' through a system that is 'open, transparent and democratic' and that reflects the voices of those who supported him," the RNC letter noted, adding a dig on the DNC's reported financial struggles, suggesting its political opponents should accept their offer of help.

"We also know that this convention comes at a difficult time financially for you, with the DNC $18 million in debt. Finding the resources necessary to run a nominating convention must be tough."

Eric Mack is a breaking news reporter and writer Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET, with a particular interest in stories that lead the news cycle on politics, elections, foreign affairs and government.

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