Maine Democrats dispute successor to Senate candidate amid rape allegations
Progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party are contesting the process to replace Graham Platner on the Senate ballot after a rape accusation, while national leaders call for his withdrawal before a July 13 deadline.
The Democratic Party in Maine is facing an internal dispute over how to select a new Senate nominee after Graham Platner was accused of rape. National Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have urged Platner to step aside before the July 13 deadline that determines the party’s ballot replacement, arguing that the seat is critical for Senate control. The party’s primary fundraising arm warned it would shift $24 million in advertising funds to other races if Platner remained on the ticket.
Senator Bernie Sanders, an early supporter of Platner, issued a statement saying he had spoken with the candidate and recommended that he withdraw in light of the allegations.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Sanders said. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Platner, who denies the accusation, told campaign staff in a private call that he still believed he could influence the choice of his replacement, though he did not announce a decision to withdraw. The disagreement highlights a split between progressive and moderate factions within the state party as they race to name a candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.