The Democratic Party faces internal conflict in Maine after Graham Platner’s Senate campaign collapsed following a rape accusation. Progressives and moderates are striving to select a successor before Platner officially steps aside.
Democratic leaders across the nation are worried about losing a vital Senate seat to control the chamber. Platner’s campaign had weathered previous controversies, including a Nazi-symbol tattoo and problematic Reddit posts, yet the rape accusation led many party figures, like Maine Democratic leaders and Senator Chuck Schumer, to abandon him.
They insist Platner must withdraw by the July 13 deadline to replace him on the ballot against Republican Senator Susan Collins. The leading super PAC for Democratic Senate hopefuls threatened to shift $24 million in ad funding to other states if Platner stayed in the race.
Senator Bernie Sanders, originally a strong supporter of Platner, echoed the call for resignation. “Given the gravity of the allegations, I have advised Graham Platner to step aside,” Sanders stated.
On a private call with campaign staff, Platner suggested he could influence the choice of his replacement, although he stopped short of confirming his withdrawal.