Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) launched a sharp attack on Tuesday against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, accusing him of acting as though he has a right to influence the selection of his own replacement following a fresh wave of sexual assault allegations.
"He seems now he's entitled to be a part of this conversation to pick the next one," Fetterman told CBS News's Major Garrett. "You know, many of these people that put someone like Platner in this seat right now, sit it out and now allow the Maine Democrats to find out. They would have a much better idea on how to win in Maine."
The comments came after a Politico report on Monday detailed an accusation from a former girlfriend who said Platner sexually assaulted her while she was heavily intoxicated in 2021. The next day, The Washington Post reported that another ex-girlfriend, who had previously accused Platner of violent behavior in a New York Times story, alleged he removed a condom without her consent during sex.
Fetterman expressed bewilderment at what he called the left's quick embrace of Platner. "I'm fascinated with … the left just quickly got all in for this total dirtbag," he said. On Monday, Fetterman called on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other progressive leaders to apologize for championing Platner's candidacy.
"I mean, it's not like — you know, how did we not know this was going to happen?" Fetterman added. "He is a liar. You know, he lies to his own wife. He was sending sexually explicit messages just as a newlywed and spent an entire decade on a platform like Kik. That's for anonymous kind of sexting."
The Hill has contacted the Platner campaign for comment. Sanders, who previously backed Platner, urged him to step aside on Tuesday, saying he had spoken with Platner "about the best path forward for Maine." "In light of these very serious allegations, I have recommended that he step aside," Sanders said in a brief statement.
Other prominent Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and groups like End Citizens United and the Senate Democrats' campaign arm, also called for Platner to drop out, with many rescinding their endorsements. Warren withdrew her support and urged him to exit the race.
Maine resident Jenny Racicot told Politico and CNN's Jake Tapper that Platner entered her home without permission and raped her while drunk in 2021, forcing sex despite her repeated refusals and knocking over a sewing cabinet, leaving a needle stuck in her leg. Platner denied the allegations in a Monday video, emphasizing "the inaccuracy of the reporting" while acknowledging the political fallout. "Regardless of the inaccuracy of the reporting, but mindful of the political reality it will inflict, we are taking the time to reflect on the best path forward," he said.
The controversy has deepened a factional rift within the Maine Democratic Party, as local and national figures scramble to find a replacement candidate. Maine Democrats are now rushing to field a new contender before the filing deadline, with potential candidates like state Sen. Troy Jackson and others being floated.
