Calls for resignation continue to mount for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, a day after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault in an exclusive story published by Politico. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
Platner has denied the allegation, calling it “categorically false” but said he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” in the race.
This statement hasn’t convinced Democrats, from Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer to Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who believe the best path forward is for him to withdraw from the race.
Progressive senator Bernie Sanders, who had previously endorsed Platner and rallied with him repeatedly in Maine, also asked him to step aside.
Representatives for Platner’s campaign have yet to announce whether he plans to remain in the race. An exit from the race should be made by 13 July, as stated in Maine state law. Should he withdraw, the Democratic Party in the state must name an alternative by 27 July.
The controversy comes at a rocky time for Democrats, as Platner had been seen as the party’s strongest chance to unseat Republican incumbent Susan Collins.
A new allegation emerged on Tuesday. Another woman he had previously dated told The Washington Post that he repeatedly removed protection without her consent when they were having sex.