Amid the shifting list of potential replacements for embattled Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Graham Platner, one name has jumped out: Patrick Dempsey.
The Lewiston-area native is known for playing a heartthrob neurosurgeon in the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” and for his charitable work through the Dempsey Center, the Maine cancer care center he founded in 2008.
It’s unclear how Dempsey’s name entered the conversation, but several media outlets pointed to a story from the Maine Wire, the conservative media arm of the Maine Policy Institute, that listed him as “the wild card” pick to replace Platner, citing the belief among unnamed “political observers” that his name recognition and positive public image could make him a strong candidate. The New York Times also listed him as a potential “outsider” candidate in a story published Tuesday that has since been updated without Dempsey.
Dempsey put the speculation to rest on Wednesday in an op-ed in the Portland Press Herald, unambiguously titled “Why I’m not running for US Senate.”
“It’s flattering, and I don’t take it lightly. I love my home state of Maine. I care deeply about the people who live there and, like so many Americans, I’m concerned about the direction our country is heading. I gave it real thought,” he said.
Ultimately, Dempsey said he believes he can contribute more effectively through the non-partisan work he is already doing.
“So no, I’m not running for office. But I am asking something of the people who do. Lead with humility. Tell the truth. Put people before party,” he said.
