Maine Democrats reopen Senate race after Platner suspends bid
What’s next: contenders must file by July 15 and submit 500 signatures from at least eight counties by July 20.
Maine Democrats moved to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner after he suspended his campaign days after a sexual assault allegation was published against him, an accusation he denied. The state party late Thursday set qualification rules for a replacement contest in a race seen as critical to Democrats’ hopes of flipping the Senate seat held by Republican Susan Collins. Candidates must file a declaration of intent and a 300-word grassroots campaign statement by July 15, then turn in 500 valid voter signatures from at least eight counties by July 20. Public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban have indicated they will seek the nomination.