Democratic Primary Winner Faces Internal Party Concerns Over Past Allegations

Graham Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary Tuesday. Party operatives are circulating negative polling on the nominee and exploring whether funding threats might pressure him to withdraw. A text poll sent on primary day asked voters about allegations of abusive and demeaning treatment of women. The campaign has shown no signs of leaving voluntarily.

Internal Party Reaction Sen.

Bernie Sanders endorsed Platner and said there is a strong division within the Democratic Party. Sanders stated he takes Platner's denials at face value and noted that some current senators are not saints. Rep. Debbie Dingell said she is not comfortable with Platner as the nominee. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski called the steady stream of revelations a moral dilemma for the party.

Platner's internal polling shows his lead over five-term incumbent Sen. Susan Collins shrinking to four points. A senior Democratic strategist said the easiest path to picking up seats requires Maine in the Democratic column. A Republican strategist said the GOP is withholding additional opposition research until after the July 13 candidate-replacement deadline.

Under Maine law, Platner would need to withdraw voluntarily by that date for Democrats to replace him on the ballot.