The senator from Vermont has been a key backer of the insurgent Democratic candidate in Maine.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), a key backer of Graham Platner’s insurgent Senate campaign in Maine, said Tuesday that Platner should step aside following an accusation of sexual assault.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” Sanders said in a statement. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Democrats began withdrawing their endorsements of Platner on Monday, after a woman who used to date Platner told Politico, CNN and The Washington Post that he entered her home uninvited in late 2021 and forced himself on her while he was intoxicated.
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But Sanders, who has been one of Platner’s most vocal supporters in his challenge against five-term Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), remained silent for nearly a day, ignoring inquiries about the sexual assault claim.
Platner has not yet said whether he plans to drop out of the race. He has until Monday to remove his name from the ballot and allow the state Democratic Party to choose a replacement.
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