Graham Platner Weighs Exiting Maine Senate Race as 30% of His Supporters Waver
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 8
Graham Platner Weighs Exiting Maine Senate Race as 30% of His Supporters Waver
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 8
Summary
Graham Platner said he is reflecting on “the best path forward” for his Maine Senate candidacy after a rape accusation Monday intensified pressure on him to quit.
30% of Platner’s own supporters told a recent New York Times/Siena poll that his controversies were making them question their backing, underscoring how vulnerable his campaign already was.
Next Monday is the key deadline: if Platner drops out by then, the Maine Democratic Party can choose a replacement by July 27 through options including a convention or statewide caucus.
Maine has become central to Democrats’ Senate math, and a reset could improve their odds against Republican incumbent Susan Collins after Platner had looked like a weak nominee despite a 2-point poll lead.