Maine Democrat Party: How Dare Platner Try to Force Himself On Our Candidate Selection Process!

Maine: Embattled U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner suspended his campaign this Wednesday after multiple sexual-assault allegations surfaced, and the Maine Democratic Party confirmed it will not allow him to hand-pick a successor. On Tuesday and Wednesday, reports and party statements documented the campaign pause and mounting pressure from party leaders and endorsers. Maine Democrats said Wednesday they will convene a special convention and require formal filings and 200 signatures for replacement candidates, with a July 27 deadline to name a nominee. The party's executive director posted a video statement this week saying the process must be kept free from campaign interference, and potential candidates have already started expressing interest.