Maine Senate race tightens as pressure builds on Platner

Pressure is mounting on Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner after a woman accused him of sexual assault. Platner denies the allegation and says he is considering his next steps. The controversy has shaken a race that Democrats view as important in their effort to defeat Republican Sen. Susan Collins and gain control of the Senate. One of Platner’s strongest supporters, Sen. Bernie Sanders, said he should step aside. If Platner leaves the race soon, Maine Democrats would still have time to nominate another candidate before the ballot deadline. Several potential replacements, including Nirav Shah, Troy Jackson and Dan Kleban, have already been mentioned as possible options.