Maine Democrats scramble to replace disgraced candidate in frantic primary push

Maine Democrats are in a monthlong dash to replace Graham Platner, a disgraced oysterman-turned-political-upstart, as their candidate to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November. The truncated primary race, culminating in a July 25 nominating convention, has been further compressed by the fatal shooting of a Colombian immigrant by ICE agents in Biddeford, which has dominated candidate attention. No clear frontrunner has emerged, and most candidates agree on key issues, depriving the race of needed contrasts. National Democratic figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have been conspicuously absent, with local leaders signaling they should stay away. The stakes are high as control of the Senate hangs in the balance, but the rushed process and residual frustration over Platner's downfall have put the party in a bind.