Maine Democrats scramble after Senate nominee Platner suspends bid
What's next: Replacement hopefuls face July 15 and July 20 deadlines as Democrats try to salvage a must-win race against Susan Collins.
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 allegation he denied. Platner had been the party's challenger to Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a race Democrats see as critical to winning back the Senate in November. The Maine Democratic Party late Thursday set rules for replacement candidates, requiring a 300-word grassroots campaign statement and at least 500 valid voter signatures from voters in eight counties. Declarations are due July 15 and signatures by July 20. Among those stepping forward are public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban.