Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called on Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to drop out on Tuesday after one of Platner’s ex-girlfriends came forward with new allegations of sexual assault on Monday.
Sanders issued the statements nearly 24 hours after news of the allegations first broke.
“I have spoken with Graham Platner about the best path forward for Maine,” said Sanders. “In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.”
Sanders has been one of Platner’s most staunch advocates since launching his campaign.
DSA-ENDORSED DEMOCRAT WHO COULD REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER HAS ALLEGATIONS OF HIS OWN
Platner hasn’t withdrawn, but he posted a video 11 minutes after the Politico story with about the allegations was released, saying he was taking time to “reflect.”
“We are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating [incumbent Republican Sen.] Susan Collins,” Platner said in the video.