How could Democrats replace Graham Platner in Maine’s Senate race – and who might they choose?
The Guardian – US News
theguardian.com
Summary
Democrats weigh options as controversial Senate nominee faces calls to drop out of race after sexual assault allegation Top Democrats are considering their options as Graham Platner, the party’s candidate for US Senate in Maine, faces growing calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation. While Platner has denied the claims, first reported by Politico on Monday, they sparked a chorus of criticism. He said he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” in the wake of the story. A string of senior Democrats pulled their endorsements, and the party’s main fundraising vehicle for Senate candidates said it would not spend more money on Maine until Platner withdrew. It is possible for Democrats to select a new Senate nominee in Maine, but the clock is ticking: in order to have a new candidate on the ballot for November’s general election, Platner needs to end his campaign by Monday 13 July at 5pm ET, according to state law. This would grant Democrats a two-week window – until 5pm ET on Monday 27 July – to pick a replacement. The Maine Senate race is seen as a crucial chance for Democrats to pick up a US Senate seat, as the party vies to regain control of the upper chamber in Congress. The seat is now held by the five‑term Republican Susan Collins. As local Democratic operatives consider who could take Platner’s place on the ballot, names in the frame include Nirav Shah, former deputy director of the Maine center for disease control and prevention (CDC), current secretary of state Shenna Bellows, and former state senate president Troy Jackson. All three swiftly called on Platner to step down. “For too long, women who survive sexual violence have been told to stay quiet, to protect the men who hurt them, to think about the campaign, the party, the cause,” said Jackson, who campaigned alongside Platner. “We cannot ask women to trust us with their futures while looking the other way when one of our own hurts them.” In a video posted on social media, Shah said: “I myself have been approached and have received hundreds of encouraging messages from folks across the state.
From the source
Democrats weigh options as controversial Senate nominee faces calls to drop out of race after sexual assault allegation US politics live – latest updates Top Democrats are considering their options as Graham Platner, the party’s candidate for US Senate in Maine, faces growing calls to withdraw after a sexual assault allegation. While Platner has denied the claims, first reported by Politico on Monday, they sparked a chorus of criticism. He said he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” in the wake of the story. Continue reading...
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