Despite winning the Democratic primary in Maine last month, Senate candidate Graham Platner could be removed from the November ballot following allegations of sexual assault reported by Politico. The allegations come from Jenny Racicot, who said she had an on-and-off relationship with Platner, a Marine Corps veteran and oyster farmer. Racicot accused Platner of entering her Maine home uninvited in 2021 and forcing himself on her while she repeatedly told him to stop. She also described Platner as being “almost blackout drunk” during the incident.
The Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices has set a July 13 deadline for Platner to withdraw from the race and allow a replacement candidate. If Platner withdraws by this date, the Maine Democratic State Committee Chair must convene a nominating meeting to select a new nominee. The Maine Democratic Party has until July 27 to officially replace their nominee on the ballot, in line with state law requiring removal of a candidate’s name if they withdraw 70 days or more before the general election.
The Maine Democratic Party acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating, “Over the past several weeks, multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner. Today’s statements take those allegations even further.”
Left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker commented on the situation, calling it “curtains” for Platner after reading the Politico report on his stream. Piker highlighted the detailed nature of the allegations, including documents, emails with a therapist, and warnings from acquaintances about Platner’s behavior. He referenced a June New York Times article that included accounts from women who previously dated Platner, suggesting a pattern of concerning behavior.
The controversy raises questions about Platner’s future in the race and the potential impact on the Maine Senate contest.
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