With Graham Platner still officially in the Senate race despite a rape allegation, Democratic operatives in Maine and beyond are quietly preparing contingency options to replace him on the ballot if he steps aside.
Platner has not announced his withdrawal, but the party machinery is moving forward with potential candidates should he exit the contest. Sources indicate both state and national Democratic figures are vetting alternatives, signaling serious concern about his path forward in the race.
The exploration of backup candidates underscores the pressure mounting on Platner from within his own party. While he has not formally quit the race, the allegation has triggered what amounts to a shadow primary of sorts among Democrats hoping to position themselves as his successor.
No timeline has been publicly announced for when Platner might make a final decision about his candidacy. The move by Democrats to line up alternatives reflects both the gravity of the allegation and uncertainty about whether he will remain viable as a candidate in the coming weeks.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Democrats aren't waiting around, which tells you everything about how quickly the math changes when a candidate becomes radioactive."
Comments