Democrats are facing a crisis after the implosion of Graham Platner’s candidacy in Maine following explosive allegations of sexual assault and his withdrawal from the race.To that end, it is clear that Democrats’ strategy — particularly the approach of democratic socialists — of picking far-left candidates with no experience and without vetting is fraught with peril, as Platner’s case underscores.Right now, Democrats have one last opportunity to seize victory from the jaws of potential defeat, and it’s critical they take it.PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING 'THUMB ON SCALE' TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGESWhat must Democrats do?Plainly, they need to avoid repeating the coronation process used by former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.Quite simply, Maine Democrats must use the next two weeks to start a robust process that ideally goes deeper than their 600-delegate nominating convention.Indeed, they should let prospective candidates for the party’s nomination participate in town halls, rallies and other events.Voters deserve the ability to question the multitude of candidates about their positions and to interact with the candidates in a way that provides the delegates with sufficient feedback to pick a viable candidate.This would allow Maine voters a chance to hear what the candidates have to say, why voters should support them, and how each plans to compete with Republicans nationally as well as against incumbent Sen.Susan Collins.PLATNER CAMPAIGN PUTTING 'THUMB ON SCALE' TO INFLUENCE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT, MAINE DEM ALLEGESIn my opinion, arguments calling to blindly elevate Troy Jackson hold no water.Jackson – a former Platner supporter until it became inconvenient – has received the most attention, as he’s ideologically very similar to Platner, yet the latter won an uncontested primary with just 72% of the vote.In other words, nearly 30% of Maine Democrats did not support Platner, whether due to ideology ...