Maine Democrats face Senate ballot risk as Graham Platner weighs exit

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Maine Democrats Senate ballot risk

Highlights

Allegations against Graham Platner create uncertainty for Maine Democrats as he considers withdrawal before next week's deadline, allowing a replacement to be named.
The Maine Democratic Party publicly urges Platner to step down after new sexual assault accusations and ongoing controversies undermine party confidence in his viability.
Recent Realclearpolitics.com polling shows Platner's support trails Susan Collins closely, raising concerns for Democrats aiming to flip the Senate by a net gain of four seats.

Campaign decision and replacement timeline

As first reported by Financial Times, citing Politico, the latest allegations deepen uncertainty around Platner's bid to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in a race that could help determine control of the Senate in November.

Platner says he is taking “time to reflect” on the future of his campaign while denying the accusations. In a video statement posted on X on Monday, he says that despite what he calls inaccurate reporting, he is weighing the best path forward for Maine, his supporters and the effort to defeat Collins.

His remarks indicate he may be considering dropping out before next week's deadline, which would let Democrats name a replacement candidate later in the month. On Monday evening, the Maine Democratic Party calls on him to withdraw, saying candidates seeking to represent the state must meet the highest standard.

Political fallout for Maine Democrats

The new claims add to a string of controversies that have shadowed Platner's campaign, including scrutiny over a chest tattoo associated with the SS from his time as a U.S. Marine and other allegations involving inappropriate relationships with women.

Jenny Racicot, a 41-year-old woman from Maine who dated Platner, tells Politico that in 2021 he forced her to have sex without her consent. She says there was a moment when she felt the encounter was no longer her choice, and adds that she wants voters to understand the full picture of who he is.

Platner has positioned himself as a political outsider, but his candidacy has split Democrats, with leftwing populists backing him and moderates viewing his campaign as a risky bet. Recent polling compiled by Realclearpolitics.com shows his support trailing closely enough to raise fresh doubts about his viability against Collins as Democrats seek a net gain of four seats to reclaim the chamber from Republicans.

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