Graham Platner Left in the Cold as Democratic Leaders Abandon Him
A wave of prominent Democrats has withdrawn support for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her in 2021. Platner has denied the claim.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have called on Platner to immediately withdraw from the race, citing the seriousness of the allegation. Several other Democratic senators, including Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Cory Booker, and Adam Schiff, have also urged Platner to exit the campaign.
Additionally, key outside groups such as VoteVets and End Citizens United have rescinded their endorsements, and the Senate Majority PAC has announced it will redirect resources away from the Maine Senate race.
The loss of support comes as a significant blow to Platner's candidacy, which had been seen as crucial for Democrats' chances of winning the Senate in November. Under Maine law, if Platner withdraws before next Monday, the state party can select a replacement candidate.
Some potential candidates, including former Democratic gubernatorial candidates Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah, are reportedly being considered as possible replacements. Maine Democratic nominee for governor Hannah Pingree has also called for Platner to step down, stating that the energy and passion of his supporters can be carried forward by a new candidate.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have called on Platner to immediately withdraw from the race, citing the seriousness of the allegation. Several other Democratic senators, including Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Cory Booker, and Adam Schiff, have also urged Platner to exit the campaign.
Additionally, key outside groups such as VoteVets and End Citizens United have rescinded their endorsements, and the Senate Majority PAC has announced it will redirect resources away from the Maine Senate race.
The loss of support comes as a significant blow to Platner's candidacy, which had been seen as crucial for Democrats' chances of winning the Senate in November. Under Maine law, if Platner withdraws before next Monday, the state party can select a replacement candidate.
Some potential candidates, including former Democratic gubernatorial candidates Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows, and Nirav Shah, are reportedly being considered as possible replacements. Maine Democratic nominee for governor Hannah Pingree has also called for Platner to step down, stating that the energy and passion of his supporters can be carried forward by a new candidate.
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