00:02In Maine, the race to replace Graham Plattner is already underway, even though he has not
00:08officially left the race. Democrats are increasingly acting as though Plattner's exit
00:12is only a matter of time, after another day of high-profile defections. The latest came
00:18from Senator Bernie Sanders, one of Plattner's earliest and most prominent supporters, who
00:23said Tuesday he told Plattner to step aside in light of the sexual assault allegation
00:28against him. Plattner has denied the rape allegation. With the July 13th deadline fast
00:34approaching, Democrats are now focusing on who could take his place in the race against
00:38Republican Susan Collins. Three names are getting the most attention. Former Maine Senate President
00:44Troy Jackson, former state health director Nirav Shah, and Secretary of State Shana Bellows.
00:49Jackson has already filed paperwork to create a Senate exploratory committee, and supporters
00:54have launched a Draft Troy website, urging him to enter the race. Meanwhile, Shah on Tuesday
01:00called for an open selection process that would include a televised debate and town halls before
01:06Democrats pick a nominee. One name that does not appear to be gaining traction is Governor
01:11Janet Mills. Both the New York Times and the Washington Post report there is little expectation
01:16she will re-enter the race after withdrawing earlier this year. Under Maine law, Plattner has
01:22until Sunday to drop out. If he does, Democrats would have two weeks to choose a new nominee.
01:28Maine could help decide which party controls the Senate after the midterms.
