Platner formally quits Maine Senate race, scrambling Democrats

Graham Platner formally withdrew from Maine’s U.S. Senate race on Friday, ending a fast-rising but crisis-hit campaign that had become a key test for Democrats’ midterm hopes. Platner had suspended his campaign two days earlier after a sexual assault allegation from an ex-girlfriend; he denied the claim. Maine is a top Democratic target because unseating Republican Sen. Susan Collins is widely seen as crucial to winning Senate control. State law allows Democrats to replace Platner before the general election, but the party must name a nominee by July 27. Potential replacements already stepping forward include Nirav Shah, Shenna Bellows, Troy Jackson and Dan Kleban.