Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a House Democrat, says he expects Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner will “get off the ballot soon,” after winning Tuesday’s Democratic primary. Gottheimer argues that Platner should win the primary and then be removed or replaced so Democrats can put forward a stronger candidate for the fall general election.
Both outlets report Gottheimer made the comments publicly while discussing the outcome of the Maine Democratic primary and the party’s strategy for the general election. Platner is widely expected to win the Democratic nomination on Tuesday. If he remains the nominee, he would face incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in the general election.
The reports characterize the request for replacement as a political strategy, while also noting Gottheimer’s view that Platner is “scandal-plagued.” Neither article provides additional details on the specific reasons or legal mechanism for how Platner would be removed. The statements reflect an internal Democratic push to improve the party’s competitiveness in the race.
