Several high profile Democrats had endorsed Platner and he had the full support of socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, despite the early allegations of sexual abuse, his mocking of members of the military and a pro-Nazi tattoo. It was only when a former girlfriend who shared his political views came forward with sexual allegations that those Democrats and Sanders decided to remove their support.
Wednesday night, 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.
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.
One possible contender, Nirav Shah, former director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has said he was “evaluating” whether to join the race. Shah said he’s been in contact with the Maine Democratic Party about ensuring a possible replacement process is based on “openness, transparency and robustness.”
Troy Jackson, Maine’s former state Senate president, announced Wednesday he was officially entering the race. Jackson unsuccessfully ran to be the Democratic nominee for governor earlier this year with the backing of Platner and Our Revolution, the political organization started by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Jackson had filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday to launch a Senate exploratory committee.
