Graham Platner's Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Rape Allegation Timeline

A political adviser to Graham Platner's Senate campaign is under scrutiny after stating that the team advised him to suspend his candidacy upon learning of a rape allegation. This statement contradicts the campaign's public denial of the claim before Platner suspended his campaign two days later. The allegation, reported by Politico, was made by Maine resident Jenny Racicot, who accused Platner of raping her in 2021. Platner has denied the allegation, calling it false and politically motivated. The adviser, Morris Katz, faced criticism for the timeline of events, as the campaign initially denied the allegation when asked by CNN. Platner responded quickly to the allegation, sharing a video shortly after it was reported. In a subsequent video, he announced the suspension of his campaign, stating that it was necessary for the movement to continue. Calls for him to exit the race intensified, and he officially ended his campaign on July 12. The Maine Democratic Party is working against a July 13 deadline for Platner to withdraw, which would allow them to select a replacement candidate by July 27.