Pressure mounts on Platner to end Maine Senate bid, including from longtime ally Bernie Sanders | CNN Politics

Democratic support for Graham Platner’s campaign further collapsed Tuesday after a woman accused him of rape with mounting calls, including from his long-time champion Sen. Bernie Sanders, for Platner to exit the Maine Senate race. A Platner campaign staff call Tuesday did not reveal the timing of any potential announcements, a person familiar with the call said. Platner said Monday he was “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward.” It comes as a growing chorus of Democrats are urging Platner to end his campaign after a woman told CNN and Politico he raped her while he was heavily intoxicated nearly five years ago when they were in a casual dating relationship — an allegation he denies. Sanders, who has been one of Platner’s biggest allies in Congress, said Tuesday that he spoke with the Maine candidate “about the best path forward” and that in “light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and the head of the party’s Senate campaign arm vowed not to spend money trying to beat the five-term Republican incumbent, Sen. Susan Collins, unless Platner withdraws and is replaced by ano