Democrats accuse Graham Platner of trying to put ‘thumb on the scale’ of process to replace him

Frustration mounts that Maine nominee has not withdrawn over sexual assault claim as Trump says Platner ‘in a bind’ Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Graham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee for US Senate in Maine, has been accused of trying to influence the process of picking his replacement as frustration mounts that he has not yet withdrawn from the race. Platner has publicly said he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” after an allegation of sexual assault, which he denied, was published on Monday. A wave of prominent Democrats, from the progressive senator Bernie Sanders to the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, urged him to stand aside. Asked about the Democrats’ predicament in Maine, Trump described Platner as “in a bind”. “It’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman,” Trump, who was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E Jean Carroll, told reporters onboard Air Force One on Wednesday. “A lot of people say big falsehoods.” The Maine election is seen as a key component of the party’s effort to regain control of the US Senate in November’s midterm elections. Platner remains