Platner says he's taking time to consider future of Maine Senate bid

Graham Platner, the Democratic nominee in Maine's Senate race, said he is "taking the time" to consider his next steps after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021.

Why it matters: Platner, who denied the allegation, stopped short of saying he would end his campaign, but indicated he is weighing its future as he seeks to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins.

• Politico reported Monday that a woman who dated Platner says he forced her to have sex with him nearly five years ago despite her reported objections.
• "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 for the state that I love, the people that I love, the movement I belong to, and the goal of defeating Susan Collins," Platner said in a statement posted on X.
• "Those were the goals we launched this campaign with, and they remain my goals today."

Between the lines: At one point, Platner referred to his campaign in the past tense.

• "We were united in a focus on defeating Susan Collins."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.