Politics
Our political journalists are based in the Maine State House and have deep source networks across the partisan spectrum in communities all over the state. Their coverage aims to cut through major debates and probe how officials make decisions. Read more Politics coverage here.
Graham Platner, who announced he was suspending U.S. Senate campaign operations Wednesday after sexual misconduct allegations, plans to officially leave the race on Monday, the last day possible per state law to get his name off the ballot.
A source familiar with Platner’s next moves said the progressive oyster farmer would hand over the paperwork by the 5 p.m. Monday deadline. The plans were first reported by Axios.
That will come as the Maine Democratic Party, which eventually embraced Platner as he overcame a series of controversies to win the primary a month ago, hammers out details of a 600-person nominating convention for his eventual replacement.
The party has been in turmoil following Politico’s report Monday that he allegedly raped a former girlfriend five years ago. He has repeatedly denied the allegations. Platner warred with the party over the terms of replacing him before shooting a bitter Wednesday video.
While the state can remove him from the ballot if he files notice by Monday, the delay until the final deadline could mean Mainers have to wait longer to find out final details about the Democrats’ process to replace him.
The state party has emphatically pressed Platner to withdraw immediately, saying Tuesday, “We look forward to making this process public as soon as Graham Platner formally withdraws from this race.”
The political newcomer delivered a defiant and emotional video announcing he was suspending his bid Wednesday night, after local, state and national Democrats pressured him to bow out. His team and supporters claim national Democrats and the party’s Senate campaign arm, which along with multiple PACs threatened to invest elsewhere in a pivotal midterm year if he remained on the ticket, were unduly influencing the process to replace him.
The Democratic Party and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee vehemently denied the claims, saying party officials are working around the clock to establish a transparent and inclusive process.
The state party has until July 27 to name a new challenger to face five-term Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
Former gubernatorial candidates Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson and Shenna Bellows are running. Former Senate primary contender David Costello has also announced a bid, as has former political aide Jordan Wood and social worker Paige Loud after 2nd Congressional District primary runs, and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban. State Rep. Valli Geiger, a Platner ally, is also running.