Former aides to President Barack Obama are calling on Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out of the race after a woman accused him of rape. The allegations against Platner, who is running for the U.S. Senate, were made by Jenny Racicot, a woman who claims Platner entered her home uninvited while intoxicated nearly five years ago and forced himself on her.

Allegations and Response

Racicot, who was seeing Platner on-and-off at the time, told Politico she immediately cut ties with him after the alleged assault. Platner has responded to the allegations with a video statement, which former Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor said suggests Platner may drop out of the race.

Vietor and fellow podcast host Jon Lovett, a former Obama speechwriter, both agreed that Platner should end his campaign in light of the allegations. Lovett said the latest allegations seem believable based on Platner’s past history of purported activity and struggles.

The allegations against Platner are the latest in a series of controversies surrounding his campaign. Former Obama aides and other critics have accused Platner of being dishonest about his past and not being transparent about the allegations against him.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.