Maine Democrats set July deadlines to replace Senate candidate
What's next: hopefuls must file by July 15 and submit 500 signatures from at least eight counties by July 20.
Maine Democrats moved to replace Senate candidate Graham Platner after his expected exit from the race, setting a rapid nomination process ahead of the November midterms. The state party late Thursday required prospective candidates to file their information and a 300-word explanation of how they would run a grassroots campaign. They also must gather at least 500 valid voter signatures statewide, including support from voters in at least eight counties, by July 20. Declarations of intent are due by July 15. Public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban have entered or reentered the contest as Democrats try to field a challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins.