Will Graham Plattner drop out? Stephen King lashes out at Trump, Maine Democrat faces assault charges; ‘King of abusers’
Graham Platner, Democratic Senate candidate maineHe is facing growing pressure from within his party to withdraw from the race following explosive accusations sexually assaulted a woman.
Plattner denied the accusations published in POLITICO on Monday but said he was taking time to “reflect” on his political path forward.
“Regardless of whether the reporting is inaccurate, and given the political realities it will create, we are taking time to reflect on the best path forward for the country I love, the people I love, the movement I belong to, and our goal of defeating Susan Collins,” Plattner said in a statement. Video posted to X.
“These were our goals when we launched this campaign, and they remain my goals today.”
Under Maine law, he has until July 13 to drop out of the race, and if he drops out, Maine Democrats have until July 27 to replace him. new york times.
Also read: Who is Jenny Racicott? Woman claims Graham Plattner sexually assaulted her; details surface
Stephen King takes aim at Trump
Amid controversy, horror novelist Stephen King weighs in on X, takes aim President Trump instead. “Graham Plattner may quit. (I hope he doesn’t, but.) Meanwhile, the big-time abuser hangs on,” King wrote.
What are the charges against him?
according to PoliticoMaine resident Jenny Racicot accused Graham Platner of drunkenly entering her home without permission in late 2021 and forcing her to have sex. Racicott said they met through a dating app in 2019 and were in a consensual relationship before the alleged sexual assault.
Plattner called the allegation “disturbing, serious and false,” adding, “Any allegation of involuntary conduct is absolutely false.”
His campaign went further, calling the accusations “directed and coordinated by operatives out of state,” and saying, “For a year, opponents of this campaign have done everything they can to attack Graham — calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of that is true, and this time is no exception.”
Democrats turn away
maine Democratic Leadership called on Plattner to withdraw, saying in their statement statement “We have a responsibility to decide who represents our values and who carries our flag. That responsibility requires judgment, leadership and a willingness to act when the situation calls for it.”
California Rep. Ro Khanna, who had earlier campaigned with Platner, withdrew his support for Platner on Monday. “I know very well that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line. These allegations are very serious and credible,” he said, according to the New York Times. “Graham Plattner should withdraw from the race. I will withdraw my support.”
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego also withdrew his support, calling the allegations “troubling and very serious,” according to the New York Times.
