The Maine Democratic Party and top Senate Democrats Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer have called on Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race, following allegations that he forced a woman to have sex with him, according to N12 (Asaf Rozentzweig).
The Maine Democratic Party, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer all called on anti-Israel Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the race Tuesday morning, following the publication of allegations that he forced a woman to have sex with him, according to N12 correspondent Asaf Rozentzweig. The calls represent the most significant pressure yet from party leadership on Platner, who won the primary on June 10.
The development follows a series of events that began Monday evening, when Platner canceled all campaign events ahead of an expected scandal. Shortly afterward, Politico reported that an ex-girlfriend accused him of forcing her to have sex nearly five years ago. Platner denied the allegation and said he was 'taking time to reflect.' Reports then emerged that he was considering dropping out. By Monday night, a growing number of Democratic senators had urged him to withdraw, and the Maine Democratic Party and Senate leadership added their voices.
Platner, a military veteran and political newcomer, has drawn national attention for his strongly anti-Israel views, which have put him at odds with the Democratic mainstream. As The Zioneer reported, he previously faced questions about a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol and unspecified allegations about his behavior toward women. He won the primary with roughly 75% of the vote and would face incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
It remains unclear whether Platner will comply with the calls to withdraw. He has not publicly responded to the latest demands from party leadership.
8 developments
- StrongGraham Platner wins Maine Senate primary, will face Susan Collins
- DevelopingMaine primary winner stumbles when asked about alleged Nazi tattoo on national TV
- DevelopingSen. Fetterman decries rising anti-Israel sentiment within Democratic Party
- DevelopingRonen Tzor resigns from the Democrats party
Source and signal
- Internal intake