Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing calls to drop out of the race after a former girlfriend alleged that he sexually assaulted her in late 2021. Platner denies the allegations, stating they are “troubling, serious and false.”
Reaction from Democratic Leaders
Maine and national Democratic leaders have urged Platner to withdraw from the race following the allegation. The Maine Senate seat, currently held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins, is considered a key pickup opportunity for Democrats as they seek to regain control of the Senate.
Experts say the new allegation has done damage, throwing Democrats’ national strategy into chaos ahead of the November midterms. Democrats were banking on Platner beating out incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, but the sexual assault allegation has threatened Democrats’ chance of winning.
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said in a statement that he recommends Platner step aside in light of the allegations. Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the party’s Senate campaign committee said in a joint statement that Platner needs to withdraw immediately, warning that they will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner stays on the ballot.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
