Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing mounting pressure to end his campaign following a serious sexual assault allegation. Platner has denied the allegations, stating that any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false.
Impact on Senate Democrats
The allegations have thrown Democrats’ national strategy into chaos ahead of the midterms in November. Democrats had considered the Maine Senate seat, currently held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, a critical pickup in their effort to gain the four seats needed to take control of the chamber.
Top Democratic leaders and lawmakers have joined the calls for Platner to step down, including Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, one of Platner’s earliest and biggest supporters. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) issued a joint statement urging Platner to withdraw immediately.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
