Maine Democrats set July deadlines as Senate replacement race opens

Maine Democrats laid out the rules for replacing Graham Platner in the US Senate race, opening a compressed contest to find a nominee capable of challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. The state party said late Thursday that hopefuls must submit candidate materials and a 300-word statement on how they would run a grassroots campaign by July 15. They also must turn in at least 500 valid voter signatures, including support from voters in at least eight counties, by July 20. Among those moving quickly are public health expert Nirav Shah, former state senator Troy Jackson and Maine Beer Company founder Dan Kleban. It remains unclear whether Gov. Janet Mills will reenter the race.