U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday urged Maine’s embattled Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign following a sexual assault allegation on Monday that Platner has denied.

Sanders, a prominent progressive backer of Platner and his biggest national ally, said in a statement, “I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”

Maine Senate Race

Platner has remained silent after saying in a social media video on Monday that he was taking time “to reflect on the best path forward.” He can be replaced on the ballot if he drops out by July 13. The Maine Democratic Party would have until July 27 to select a new nominee.

Potential candidates, including Democrats who lost last month’s primary for governor, were already positioning themselves for a likely Senate run on Tuesday. Former state Senate President Troy Jackson filed federal paperwork on Tuesday to form an exploratory committee that allows him to start fundraising.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.