The Maine Democratic Party’s Executive Director released the following statement:

“If Graham Platner decides to suspend his campaign for U.S. Senate, the Maine Democratic Party is responsible for administering a process to select a new Democratic nominee. No process to elect a new nominee can commence unless the Platner campaign is suspended. If a process for selecting a new nominee becomes necessary, it will be open, transparent, and inclusive. The Maine Democratic Party hopes that we have broad participation of Mainers and Democratic voters in what happens next. In no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign.

Time is also of the essence. The deadline set by the Secretary of State at the outset of this election cycle for a nominee to withdraw is July 13th. The deadline for a new nominee to be submitted to the Secretary of State is July 27th. If the Platner campaign does not suspend by the 13th, there will be no option to select a new nominee.

The sooner this process can begin, the more time we will have to administer an intentional and inclusive process for Mainers and Democrats.”