Hi there, everyone. It's 4 o'clock in the East. New allegations against the embattled Democratic nominee for Maine's Senate seat, Grand Platner, this time of rape, may finally force him from the race. It is a race that is critical to Democrats' efforts to retake control of the Senate in November.

One of Platner's closest allies, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders,

has joined the calls from party leaders like Senator Elizabeth Warren,

Senator Cory Booker, the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

They have all demanded that Platner bow out of the race.

The New York Times reports this, quote, in a private call with his campaign staff Monday

evening, Platter did not announce plans to withdraw, but implied such a decision would be coming

according to three people familiar with the conversation. He said that he believed he still had leverage

to influence which candidate would replace him on the ticket and wanted to ensure that the

movement his campaign had built would continue, the people said. This all comes after Politico

reported that a former girlfriend of Plattenors said that he raped her. Politico reports this.

Quote, a woman, Jenny Roscoe, who dated Platner, says he forced her to have sex with him

nearly five years ago, despite her repeated objections. It's an allegation Plattner denies.

Roscoe described the alleged assault this way, quote, I remember him grabbing my pelvis

and being really forceful of me, she said, quote, I remember the specific moment where I thought to

myself, like, this is no longer my choice, end quote. Politico reports this, quote, Roscoe previously

described reckless and unsettling behavior by Grand

Platner to the New York Times, but says she didn't go public with the specific assault claim

because she didn't want to be known as a rape victim. In a video responding to the article,

Platner denies the allegations. However, he said that being, quote, mindful of the political reality the reporting

will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward. Time is of the essence,

as Platner must drop out by this upcoming Monday, July 13th, in order for Democrats to be able

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