Will Graham Platner drop out before the Midterms?July 8

Live: Platner said he was suspending his campaign and indicated he planned to remove his name from the ballot, but he also said he would like input on the process of how he would be replaced -- which could leave open the possibility of further drama between him and Maine Democrats.

IF YOU’RE JUST CATCHING UP • • • Maine Dem Party accuses Platner’s team of meddling in the process of replacing him • • • Platner’s team fires back, saying they simply want their voters to be heard • • • ME-Dems say they’re “thankful for his supporters” and committed to a “transparent and inclusive process” • • • Platner’s top aide seeks a “real role” for his movement in the process, accuses ME-Dems of flying in the DSCC to take over • • • DSCC says that’s “false,” that ME-Dems run the process, and demands Platner “drop out immediately” • • ME-Dems have not disclosed what the process of replacing him would be • • Platner still has not dropped out

Maine Senate Candidates Lining Up Platner Drops Out

Plenty of Democrats share this view. However, they cannot force him to drop out. So Platner has leverage, whether the state/national party like it or not. Clock is ticking to the July 13 deadline; after that Dems are stuck with Platner as their nominee against Susan Collins.

IF YOU’RE JUST CATCHING UP • • • Maine Dem Party accuses Platner’s team of meddling in the process of replacing him • • • Platner’s team fires back, saying they simply want their voters to be heard • • • ME-Dems say they’re “thankful for his supporters” and committed to a “transparent and inclusive process” • • • Platner’s top aide seeks a “real role” for his movement in the process, accuses ME-Dems of flying in the DSCC to take over • • • DSCC says that’s “false,” that ME-Dems run the process, and demands Platner “drop out immediately” • • ME-Dems have disclosed what the process of replacing him would be • • Platner still has not dropped out

NEW: Democratic fighting escalates in Maine as Graham Platner stalls on making a decision • • More than 48 hours since Platner signaled he may drop out. Still no decision. His team is publicly sniping with Maine state party & national Dems. • • with @ryanobles:

Democratic fighting escalates in Maine as Graham Platner stalls on making a decision

Live: Platner campaign denies he told a Maine state representative he wants her to replace him

Live: Platner campaign denies that he urged Maine lawmaker Valli Geiger to take his place in Senate race

Democrats Grow Frustrated as Platner Resists Dropping Out Quickly

Graham Platner, isolated, defies Maine Democrats as they try to hatch a plan

Graham Platner and a small team of strategists are trying to navigate an exit from the US Senate race in Maine. Platner is expected to announce his decision through a recorded video, which could come later today. As of this morning, the message had not been taped, per @ArletteSaenz @jeffzeleny @aritjohncnn •

*PLATNER’S CAMPAIGN WORKING TO NAVIGATE EXIT: CNN • *PLATNER EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE DECISION VIA VIDEO: CNN • *PLATNER VIDEO HAS NOT BEEN TAPED AS OF THIS MORNING: CNN

Platner’s campaign working to navigate exit from consequential Maine race, sources say

Platner campaign putting 'thumb on scale' to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges

Graham Platner trying to put his ‘thumb on the scale’ as Maine Democrats look for replacement Senate candidate, state party claims

Live: Succession fight already under way as Sanders calls for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race

The hunt is on for Platner’s replacement in Maine

Gets more interesting as the Maine Dems say Platner's team is putting a "thumb on the scale" in the replacement process. • • The story really has been how progressives, with the leverage of a kamikaze candidate, are trying to put Jackson on the ballot

Live: Graham Platner trying to put his ‘thumb on the scale’ as Maine Democrats look for replacement Senate candidate, state party claims

Wow. Maine Democratic Party is publicly calling out Graham Platner and his team for continuing to leverage concessions before he drops out

Fetterman tells those who backed Platner to "sit it out" on a possible replacement

It’s been over 24 hours since @grahamformaine cracked open the door to dropping out and… nothing since. He hasn’t announced anything. Dems can’t force him to drop out; it’s his decision. But if he stays, no money to campaign and no allies. Mutually assured destruction.

NEW: Maine Democrats jockey to replace Graham Platner as he faces pressure to drop out • • This AM, Platner had not decided whether to quit; he'd want a replacement with his vision. • • Would-be candidates aren't waiting. • • w/ @MZanona @brennanleach @bridgetbhc:

Live: With his Maine Senate campaign on the brink after most of his allies urged him to back out , Graham Platner has yet to comment since yesterday’s video addressin

Pressure builds on Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race after sexual assault allegations

New from @BernieSanders: “I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine. In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”

Live: Accused rapist Graham Platner lists demands to Dems before agreeing to drop out of Maine Senate race

From @BenKail in the Bangor Daily News • • “One of three Democrats who recently lost the gubernatorial primary — former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows or former public health chief Nirav Shah — could benefit by having a staff recently in place. Former House Speaker Sara Gideon, the 2020 nominee with money left over, could have an edge as well, he said. • • The process for nominating a new Senate candidate is not set in stone. It’s likely the state party will coordinate with county committees and a nominating meeting will take place. But “what that looks like for a statewide office — is it in person, is it county caucuses, or is it one big state caucus virtually — the party would have to decide,” Farmer said. • If the party makes a replacement nomination by the July 27 deadline, the secretary of state produces new general election ballots listing the new nominee.”