Sen. Bernie Sanders, Platner's longtime backer, joined the chorus Tuesday saying that he spoke with Platner and that "in light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Platner, who denies the allegation, has so far not heeded the wave of calls to resign as the nominee. Instead, he posted a video on Monday saying he’s currently considering next steps for his campaign while canceling town hall events.
Platner posted the video after reports that a woman who previously dated the first-time candidate said he drunkenly forced her to have sex after she told him to stop.
The allegation is the latest in a string of controversies Platner has faced, and so far weathered since the oyster farmer and Marine veteran entered the race. But the seriousness of the assault claim has put the Maine contest — and Democrats' ability to win control of the Senate — at risk, with even some of his strongest supporters questioning whether Platner should continue his campaign.
Some critics have noted that Sanders and the Democrats continued to support Platner when a woman with a conservative political background accused him of sexually inappropriate behavior. But it took a sexual accusation from a woman who supports Platner's political views to finally withdraw their support for the candidate.
