(The Center Square) — Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner says he's taking some time off the campaign trail to consider the "best path forward" amid claims that he sexually assaulted a woman six years ago, despite denying the allegations.
The alleged assault was first reported by Politico, which said the woman — Jenny Racicot, 41 — claimed the attack occurred in the Maine town where she lived in 2021 when she and Platner were dating.
Platner denied the claims in a video message posted on social media, but said he will take time to “reflect” on how to proceed with his Senate campaign. He canceled several campaign events for Sunday and Monday.
"Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," Platner said. "Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false."
His campaign also blasted the allegations in a statement that suggested the woman's claims were politically motivated, and part of a broader behind-the-scenes push to scuttle his Senate bid.
“For a year, opponents of this campaign have thrown everything they can at Graham – calling him a Nazi, a war criminal, and a communist. None of it has been true and this is no different," the statement said. "It is not a coincidence that this story comes a week before the ballot deadline, just as the previous false allegations came a week before the primary."
Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer running with support from progressive icons like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and the party’s left wing, is considered a key candidate for Democrats trying to retake the U.S. Senate in the midterm elections. He became the Democratic nominee after Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the race, citing lackluster fundraising.
Recent polls show Platner with a widening lead over his Republican rival, incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, in a general election matchup.
But the first-time candidate has been dogged by allegations of excessive drinking, infidelity, scandals involving explicit text messages, past online comments and a covered-up Nazi tattoo.
He has refused to step down and top Democrats have sidestepped his mounting scandals or come to his defense in recent weeks.
But Republicans say Platner is a "damaged" candidate and that top Democrats' silence on his controversies is hypocritical after they repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump for his past misogynistic and bombastic rhetoric.
Originally published on thecentersquare.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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