Leading Democrats have called for Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to end his campaign against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). The calls come as Platner denied another sexual assault allegation.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said in a joint statement, “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable.”
“Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins,” they said. “The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has also pulled support from Platner. “Now more than ever we need leaders in Washington who reflect our values,” she said. “There can be no tolerance for sexual assault. Working families are counting on Democrats to win the Senate election in Maine to unrig our economy and hold Donald Trump accountable. With so much at stake, the best path forward is for Graham Platner to step aside as the Democratic nominee and address these serious allegations outside this Senate race.”
Similarly, Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Lauren French said in a statement, “We believe the women who have come forward about Graham Platner, and we stand with the survivors who have shared their experiences at real personal cost. Having lost the trust of the people of Maine, Platner should withdraw from this Senate race.”
“We continue to believe this seat is winnable if Platner is not on the ballot, but we cannot strategically continue to invest here when there is an expansive battleground map where these resources can help win a Democratic majority,” French added.
