United States of America

Dems Urge Maine Senate Nominee to Quit Over Assault Claim

Did Democrats abandon Graham Platner on principle or only when his candidacy became a political liability?

Published JUL 7

Dems Urge Maine Senate Nominee to Quit Over Assault Claim

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Above: Graham Platner speaks to voters at a town hall at the Elks Lodge 188 in Portland on June 7. Image credit: Laura Brett/Getty Images

The Facts

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued a joint statement on Monday calling on Graham Platner to "immediately withdraw" as Maine's Democratic Senate nominee, warning the DSCC "will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot."
The Hill
Breitbart
Guardian
The development comes after Jenny Racicot, 41, told Politico that Platner entered her home uninvited in late 2021 and sexually assaulted her. Platner denied the allegation, calling it "categorically false."
The New York Times
BBC News
ZeroHedge
Rep. Ro Khanna, who had campaigned with Platner in June, withdrew his endorsement, saying the allegations were "very serious and credible." Sens. Ruben Gallego and Martin Heinrich also rescinded their support.
Ro Khanna on X
Ruben Gallego on X
FOX News
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who had endorsed Platner in March, called on him to step aside, stating "there can be no tolerance for sexual assault." The Maine Democratic Party also urged him to withdraw as its nominee.
The New York Times
Blue Sky Social
Guardian
Platner's campaign had faced several prior controversies, including a tattoo on his chest resembling a Nazi symbol, unearthed online comments dismissing rape victims and reports of sexually explicit messages sent to women outside his marriage.
The Hill
BBC News
The Washington Examiner
Platner has until July 13 to withdraw from the race, after which the Maine Democratic Party would have until July 27 to name a replacement candidate under state law. In a video posted by Platner, he said he was "taking the time to reflect on the best path forward."
The New York Times
Graham Platner on X
FOX News

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The Spin

Democratic narrative

Democrats urging Platner to withdraw reflects a commitment to accountability and consistent ethical standards. Credible accusations deserve serious consideration, especially for public officials seeking higher office. By pressing for the candidate's exit, Democrats aim to protect public trust, demonstrate integrity and reinforce expectations that allegations of misconduct carry meaningful political consequences.

MS Now

Hannah Pingree on X

Republican narrative

Democrats already knew exactly who Platner was — the Nazi tattoo, the abuse allegations, the depraved online posts — and endorsed him anyway. Ro Khanna literally said he believed Platner's accusers and backed him in the same breath. The party only found its conscience when the candidacy became an electoral liability, proving the "believe women" standard gets ditched the moment political survival is on the line.