Platner's voters are reeling as Maine Democratic Party races to choose his replacement
Maine Democrats are rushing to select a new Senate nominee after candidate Graham Platner dropped out due to rape allegations. The party must find a replacement by July 27 to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Why it matters
The outcome of this race is critical for the Democratic Party's efforts to regain control of the U.S. Senate.
BRUNSWICK, Maine – On a sunny Sunday, Senate hopeful David Costello worked the sidewalk in downtown Brunswick asking for signatures.
"Woud you happen to be a registered Democrat?" he asked one woman before engaging in a back and forth conversation. She asks if he's progressive.
Costello is one of several Maine Democrats who see the fall of Graham Platner's senate campaign as an opportunity to represent Maine in Washington.
Platner won June's Democratic primary election handily. But allegations of rape by a former romantic partner last week forced him to drop out of the race. It leaves Maine Democrats scrambling to find a new nominee before the July 27 deadline to put a name on the ballot. Platner denies the allegations.
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