Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing intense pressure to step down after a bombshell rape allegation emerged on Monday.
Neera Tanden, CEO of the Center for American Progress, and Shannon Watts, a prominent gun control advocate, have called for Platner's removal and cautioned the party about its next move as the state nears the general election on November 3.
Platner, who has previously faced criticism for his Nazi tattoo and past online comments, came under renewed fire on Monday when a former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, alleged that he had raped her while heavily intoxicated after being told repeatedly to stop.
Racicot appeared on CNN on Monday evening, stating that Platner "raped" her by dictionary definition and criticizing his comments about women and sexual assault.
Platner has denied the allegations, calling them "troubling, serious, and false." The Platner campaign released a video on X, where Platner again denied the allegations and expressed a desire to "reflect" on the best path forward.
Tanden and Watts have been critical of party figures who they believe failed to vet Platner properly, despite warning signs about his behavior.
Watts, in particular, has been vocal about her disapproval of party leaders who endorsed Platner despite his past comments and allegations of domestic assault.
With the state Democratic Party calling on Platner to step aside, Watts has set her sights on a possible replacement, warning against letting someone like Sen. Bernie Sanders handpick an alternative.
Tanden has also hinted at her disapproval of the idea of swapping Platner out with another up-and-coming progressive, suggesting that the most democratic thing to do would be to select the candidate who won the most votes in the governor's race.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Platner will step down or face further consequences for the allegations against him.
The controversy has sparked a heated debate within the party, with some leaders calling on Platner to drop out of the race and others suggesting alternative candidates.
The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the upcoming general election and the future of the Democratic Party in Maine.
