Last check, No Withdrawal from Graham Platner Campaign

His actions selfishly impact the necessary jumpstart of a new campaign

Graham Platner speaks during a campaign event in May, when his campaign was looking good. Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

It’s Over:

For Graham Platner, his senate campaign is over. He apparently has not come to grips with it yet, but he cannot win, and he can only do damage at this point to the a senate race that is a part of a high risk effort to take back the Senate for Democrats and the American people.

The revelations of a sexual assault allegation has put this race and Democrat’s chances in a new light. The Democratic party only has until July 27 to find a replacement nominee for November’s election. In the meantime, Platner has suspended his campaign but there has been no official paperwork taking him off the ballot. Meanwhile, Platner has gone silent.

Platner’s denial of allegations from a woman he one time dated have done nothing to quiet calls for a new candidate and prevent the many prior endorsements that have now been rescinded and some falling in line with other possible candidates.

Maine Democrats are exploring picking a new candidate through a nominating convention, although the specifics of the process are not yet clear. There are plenty of potential contenders to replace Platner. Former Senate President Troy Jackson has already filed paperwork exploring a run on Tuesday, and Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said she would “seriously consider” entering the race.

There is some polling that following the initial news breaking of the sexual assault allegations was already showing some indication of support for the winner of the Primary beginning to soften.

Senator Susan Collins has been seen as vulnerable in this election cycle. She has hung on through previous challenges. This shake up puts a cloud over the outcome of this Senate seat in Maine as well as over the Democrats chances to regaining control of the seat. Mid to late June Platner was leading Collins by 2 points. His negatives have been high with some groups.

At this point, there will not be a lot of time to build a case for a new candidate. The fact that Platner has not moved quickly to exit the race is in my view a reflection of a person acting like a deer in headlights. Stunned and hesitant before he bolts. But this is where weeks become days and days become seconds.