Maine Dems planning convention for next candidate after scandal-ridden Graham Platner drops out of Senate race

The Maine Democratic Party on Wednesday voted to hold a convention now that Democratic Graham Platner has announced he’ll drop out of the state’s US Senate race after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault.Platner, who denies the allegation, faced considerable pressure from his own party to quit the race.The first-time candidate also has been accused of trying to influence how his replacement is selected — a claim he also denied.Platner’s planned departure have left a crucial US Senate race unsettled just months before the November midterm elections.

The Maine Democratic Party, which by law is responsible for naming a replacement, announced it’ll move forward with holding a nominating convention to choose a new nominee.Meanwhile, potential contenders have already begun teasing their interest.Here’s what we know about the Maine Senate race and what could be next:According to Maine law, there’s a narrow provision for replacing general election candidates.

Platner needed to step aside voluntarily by 5 p.m.July 13 before other contenders could have been considered.Once he formally withdraws, the law then says the Maine Democratic Party has the authority to choose a replacement, which must be done by July 27.The state Democratic Party held an emergency meeting Wednesday, where more than 100 state committee members signed off on holding a nominating convention in the event of a vacancy.“There is an unprecedented amount of energy and enthusiasm among Maine Democrats, driven in part by many of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who were inspired by Graham Platner’s campaign,” Maine Democratic leaders said in a joint statement.It’s incredibly rare for a general election candidate to bow out of a race, in Maine or elsewhere, meaning party officials are scrambling to complete a plan if and when Platner announces he’ll withdraw.A key question surrounding how Platner is replaced has come down to just how much leverage the oyster farme...