Maine Senate candidate Platner says campaign is deciding 'best path forward' after new sexual assault allegation

[Celerity]

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/maine-senate-candidate-platner-says-campaign-is-deciding-best-path-forward-after-new-sexual-assault-allegation

A woman who previously dated Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop, according to a Politico report released Monday, leading prominent supporters to pull their endorsements and throwing a must-win race for the party into turmoil. Platner denied the allegation, but said he would be considering next steps for his campaign. "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we're taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," he said in a video released on social media.



Jenny Racicot, who lives in Maine, told Politico that Platner entered her home in 2021 while drunk and assaulted her. Racicot said she had been in an on-and-off relationship with Platner, but she cut off contact with him after that night and told him the incident wasn't consensual. A voicemail left at a number listed for Racicot seeking comment did not receive an immediate response. Platner's campaign did not immediately respond to an email and phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

"Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false," Platner said in his video. Still, the allegation sparked a flight away from a candidate who has long been controversial. Rep. Ro Khanna, a California Democrat who'd stood by Platner even as the insurgent candidate was hit with prior allegations, said Monday's was enough. "I've been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line," Khanna said. "These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement." Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego also announced he was pulling his endorsement, as did the Democratic-leaning political group End Citizens United.

The Democratic leaders of Maine's legislature called for Platner to withdraw, as did top officials at the state Democratic Party. "Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today's statements take those allegations even further," party chair Charlie Dingman, vice chair Imke Schessler and executive director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a joint statement. "This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senator Collins, that serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Maine people. It is essential that we refocus this campaign on that struggle," the statement continued.

snip

[boston bean]

1. It is over for him. And I wonder what the statute of limitations of rape is up there in Maine.

These allegations are 5 years young.

[WSHazel]

2. If he actually cared about any of the issues he claims to care about, he would drop out this minute

Democrats need to spin up another candidate quickly, and they apparently can't force him off the ticket. Every second he stays on the ticket helps Trump.

[MichMan]

3. Breaking NYT: Platner lays out his conditions for withdrawal

https://democraticunderground.com/100221355431