Democrats face backlash after Platner exits Maine Senate race

Republicans are using Graham Platner’s withdrawal from Maine’s Senate race to criticize Democrats who supported him during the campaign’s scandals. Platner stepped aside after a rape allegation and other controversies, including past inflammatory online posts, a disputed tattoo, and reports of explicit messages and violent behavior. The Maine contest had been one of the party’s key Senate races, with Platner challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins. After his exit, Republicans argued that Democrats who endorsed or defended him should be held accountable, while Democrats responded that the GOP is applying a double standard. The fallout is now spilling into other battleground races, including a House race in Maine and a Senate race in New Hampshire. Democrats say the issue will not decide voters’ choices, but Republicans are trying to use it to weaken Democratic candidates in competitive districts.