Maine's embattled Democratic US Senate nominee, Graham Platner, has been accused of attempting to influence the process of selecting his replacement amid widespread calls for him to withdraw from the race following a sexual assault allegation he denies.
Party official says Platner's team tried to sway process
Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, stated on Tuesday evening that Platner's campaign would have "no role" in choosing his successor. She said Platner's team had repeatedly contacted the party to "put their thumb on the scale" of the replacement process. "We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner's team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the US Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like," Murphy-Anderson said. She added that Platner must drop out so Democrats can focus on defeating Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
Prominent Democrats urge Platner to step aside
A wave of prominent Democrats, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have urged Platner to withdraw. The allegation, published on Monday, has led to a collapse in support for Platner, who has said he is "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward." The Maine Senate race is considered critical to Democratic efforts to regain control of the Senate in the November midterms.
Potential replacements emerge
Several Democrats have signaled interest in replacing Platner on the ballot. Among them are Nirav Shah, former deputy director of the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention; Secretary of State Shenna Bellows; former state Senate President Troy Jackson; and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood. Wood briefly challenged Platner before switching to a House primary that he lost. According to state law, Platner must end his campaign by 5pm ET on July 13 to allow Democrats a two-week window until July 27 to select a replacement.
Criticism of Platner's actions
State Senator Joe Baldacci, who lost the primary for Maine's second congressional district, criticized Platner for attempting to influence the selection of his successor. "Guess what after you have put the Democratic Party in a shambles and undermined all Democratic candidates running for office in Maine, then you should have no say in who will be your successor," Baldacci wrote. He added that Platner would carry "a lead weight" into the general election.
Vetting process questioned
Joseph Geevarghese, executive director of Our Revolution, the progressive organization founded by Sanders, called the allegation "deeply disappointing for all of the grassroots supporters" who placed faith in Platner. Regarding the vetting process, Geevarghese said it is up to leaders to be "fully transparent" and that it is "very difficult to keep things dark." He suggested Jackson was best placed to replace Platner, noting Jackson's independent track record despite previous support for Platner. "I think Troy stands on his own two feet," Geevarghese said. "He's his own candidate, he has his own track record over time, he's a known commodity in Maine politics."
