Maine Democrats are in a frenzied sprint to replace Graham Platner, who dropped out of the Senate race after being accused of rape, an allegation he denies. The snap Democratic election to replace him is off to a hectic start, with at least eight candidates rushing to collect enough signatures to qualify for the convention and assemble slates of delegates to vote for them.
Local Angle
The local angle in this story is the impact on Maine’s Senate race, where Republican Sen. Susan Collins is up for re-election. The Democratic Party in Maine is working to create a highly unorthodox process to select a new nominee, with 601 delegates set to meet in Bangor on July 25 to vote on a replacement.
Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, who launched his Senate campaign with the support of over 50 current and former elected officials, appears to be making the most explicit appeal to continue the working-class progressive movement that Platner tried to build. Jackson has signed a petition supporting a platform of universal healthcare rights, taxing billionaires, and ending so-called “forever wars”.
Candidates face a 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline to declare their intent to run, with the first scheduled debate on Thursday. By the end of Monday, candidates will need to submit 500 signatures to qualify for the ballot, including 50 signatures from at least eight separate counties.
Process and Challenges
The process of selecting a new nominee is complex, with a far smaller electorate than a traditional primary, requiring an intense focus on organizing and interpersonal relationships. At least some campaigns may have reached out to, if not spoken to, all 601 delegates by the time they arrive in Bangor.
Maine Democrats have little room for error, with July 27 being the last day under state law to submit the name of the replacement nominee for inclusion on the ballot. The party is working to make the process transparent, inclusive, and as timely as possible, according to Paige Zeigler, chair of the Waldo County Democrats.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
