Democrats in Maine are scrambling to contain a political crisis as Senate nominee Graham Platner reportedly refuses to leave the race without first having a say in who would take his place on the ballot. The behind-the-scenes standoff has fueled fresh turmoil inside the party at a time when leaders are racing against a critical deadline to salvage one of their most important Senate contests.
According to a report from The New York Post, Platner has been discussing a possible withdrawal with members of his campaign and Democratic strategist Morris Katz. However, sources familiar with those conversations claim the 41-year-old oyster farmer is only willing to step aside if the eventual replacement shares his brand of progressive politics.
The reported demands come as Maine Democrats face a July 13 deadline. If Platner withdraws before then, party officials have promised what they describe as an “open” and “transparent” process to choose a new nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
