“In Maine labor circles, the gold standard is Troy Jackson,” Jason Shedlock, Maine labor leader and statehouse candidate who helped identify Platner, told Newsweek. “I’ve introduced him countless times at different events as the patron saint of labor in Maine, and he is. Shedlock provided his description of Jackson back when the latter was running for governor, a contest where he ultimately placed third. Shedlock said in Maine politics, no matter whether the race sits at the top or bottom of the ballot, labor leaders assess candidates by comparing them to Jackson. It’s clear Maine Democrats were thrilled to go that direction after hearing the message of Platner.