Can Democrats Still Flip The Senate Seat In Maine?

 I had high hopes for electing a Democrat to the United States Senate in Maine to replace GOP Senator Collins. Even though a flawed candidate, it was looking like Graham Platner had a very good chance of winning.

But a new revelation has changed that. A former girlfriend of Platner's has accused him of a drunken sexual assault - and it looks like her accusation is credible. Many Democrats are now withdrawing their support, and party officials in Maine are calling for him to drop out of the race (see image above).

He has suspended campaign events and says he considering whether to drop out or stay in the race. I hope he does the right thing for his party (and country) and drops out. I no longer think he can win.

But I give a warning to those who would replace him. Maine Democrats were very clear that, in spite of his flaws, they liked his platform and desire to fight for workers. It would be a serious mistake to replace him with a centrist establishment Democrat. 

His replacement must be a progressive - someone who will continue the platform Democrats in Maine voted for. Most people in Maine want a fighter - someone who will fight for workers and oppose the establishment that seem to be happy to cave to Republicans and oligarchs.

Below is former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance's take:

This most recent accusation about him was made by a woman to multiple people, long before he got into politics, including a treating physician. Maine Democrats are already joining national party leaders in calling for Platner to leave the race.

Because this is how it’s done. No man who has raped a woman is fit to serve in public office.

It’s up to Maine voters to decide what to do next. But if they believe these allegations are true, then the only choice they can make is to replace him. They have plenty of qualified candidates, as the contested Democratic primary for governor shows. That choice will be a political one. Removing the current candidate is one of ethics, morality, and common decency.

The contrast here is hard to ignore. Democrats have shown that when credible allegations of sexual misconduct emerge against one of their own, the conversation turns quickly to accountability. Republicans have made a different choice. That’s not a partisan talking point. It’s a difference in how the two parties have approached questions of character and fitness for office over the last ten years.

Democrats shouldn’t lower their standards because the other party already has. If anything, this is the moment to insist that the same principles apply every time, regardless of whose name is on the ballot.