Succession Fight Underway In Maine Senate Race

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Democratic nominee Graham Platner hasn’t resigned from the Maine U.S. Senate race following an allegation of sexual assault. But the battle to take his place is already underway. The allegation reported Monday prompted a chorus of calls for Platner to depart the high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, which could decide party control of the Senate. Platner’s long-time backer, Sen. Bernie Sanders, “recommended that he step aside.” Then, Tuesday evening, The Washington Post reported that an ex-girlfriend of Platner’s had accused him of removing condoms during sex without her consent. Platner, who has denied all the allegations, has been mum on whether he’ll step aside.