Susan Collins

The Senate race in Maine between Susan Collins and Graham Platner started in a near tie, according to a New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll, but both campaigns may find reasons for anxiety in the survey.

Here are four warning signals for Mr. Platner, the Democratic nominee, and four for Ms. Collins, the Republican incumbent who is working to defend her blue-state seat in a difficult climate for her party.

Platner’s Problems

Voters don’t think he has good character.

Mr. Platner has for months contended with unflattering revelations about offensive posts he made online, a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol he had covered up and his treatment of women. Those reports appear to have left an impression on voters: The survey found a majority of Maine voters did not judge Mr. Platner to have “good character” or the “right kind of moral values.”

Voters think Collins will bring home more bacon.

Ms. Collins, chairwoman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, frequently promotes her work to support funding for projects in Maine, and the poll makes clear that her efforts resonate with voters. On the question of who would be better at bringing money and resources back to Maine, Ms. Collins held a 27-point advantage over Mr. Platner. Her advantage cut across geographic, racial, educational and gender divides.