Succession fight is already underway as calls mount for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Democratic nominee Graham Platner hasn’t resigned from the Maine U.S. Senate race following an allegation of sexual assault. But the succession battle to take his place was already underway Tuesday.

The allegation reported Monday prompted a chorus of calls for Platner to depart the high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, which could decide party control of the Senate. Platner’s long-time backer, Sen. Bernie Sanders, “recommended that he step aside.” Then, Tuesday evening, The Washington Post reported that an ex-girlfriend of Platner’s had accused him of removing condoms during sex without her consent.

Platner, who has denied all the allegations, has been mum on whether he’ll step aside. And the Maine Democratic Party, charged with creating a process to pick his replacement, hasn’t publicly announced their plans.

On Tuesday night, Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson released a video saying the party is developing an “open, inclusive, transparent and fair” process but won’t disclose details until Platner withdraws. Platner’s team has repeatedly tried to “put their thumb on the scale,” she said.

“We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have n...