What happens if Graham Platner and Mitch McConnell are gone?

Maine Democrats eyeing the chance to replace U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner in the wake of a sexual assault allegation are trying to shape an unprecedented process by urging their party to name a new nominee in an open and transparent manner.

Former gubernatorial and congressional candidates who came up short in the June 9 primary have expressed interest and are in talks with supporters and the Maine Democratic Party, which has not clearly conveyed to potential contenders and their staffs the next possible steps, according to multiple Democratic sources.

The oyster farmer and military veteran, who weathered a bevy of controversies to boot Gov. Janet Mills from the Senate primary, has until 5 p.m. Monday to submit a withdrawal notice to state officials, and the Democrats would have until July 27 to name a replacement. Dozens of state and national Democratic lawmakers and organizations who rallied around Platner have abandoned the political newcomer’s bid and called for him to step aside.

Nirav Shah, the former public health chief who lost a gubernatorial run to former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree, said in a post on X Tuesday that the process must be “transparent and open.”

Caption from article by Benjamin Kail, Bangor Daily News.