AUGUSTA, Maine — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign has launched a 48-hour survey aimed at influencing the process of replacing him on the ballot. This move comes as tensions rise between Platner and the Maine Democratic Party regarding the nomination process ahead of a July 13 deadline for his potential withdrawal and a July 27 deadline for Democrats to select a new nominee. This follows allegations made by a former girlfriend, who accused Platner of rape in 2021, which he has denied.
State and national Democratic leaders have distanced themselves from Platner, with the Maine Democratic Party asserting that his campaign would not play a role in selecting the next nominee. In response, Platner's campaign manager, Ben Chin, claimed that the state party has engaged national Democrats to plan the nominating process without transparency. The survey seeks feedback from supporters on what messages they wish to convey to both the Maine Democratic Party and Platner himself.
Chin emphasized the importance of considering the opinions of supporters who have rallied around Platner's campaign. The survey represents a more defined timeline for Platner's potential exit from the race, as he must withdraw by Monday to allow for a replacement. Meanwhile, some of Platner's allies, including State Rep. Valli Geiger, are working to facilitate private discussions between Platner and trusted Democratic leaders to ensure a transparent process for his exit. Geiger criticized the state party's lack of clarity regarding the selection process, calling it unacceptable.
The situation has intensified following the allegations reported by Politico, leading to calls from various Democratic figures for Platner to withdraw from the race. The Maine Democratic Party has pledged to maintain an open and inclusive nominating process once Platner decides to step down.