Maine Democrat Platner formally quits Senate race after allegation

Graham Platner formally withdrew Friday from Maine's U.S. Senate race, capping the collapse of a Democratic campaign that had been central to the party's hopes of unseating Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner had said two days earlier he would step aside after a sexual assault allegation from an ex-girlfriend was published; he denied the claim. Maine law allows Democrats to replace him before the November election, but the party must choose a new nominee by July 27. The Maine Democratic Party has set qualification rules for would-be candidates, including a 300-word grassroots campaign statement and 500 valid signatures from at least eight counties. Among those moving to replace him are Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson, Shenna Bellows and Dan Kleban.