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Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania recently criticized Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner for appearing "entitled" to participate in discussions about selecting his replacement. Fetterman's remarks came before Platner exited the race following new sexual assault allegations. In an interview with CBS News, Fetterman expressed his surprise at how quickly the left endorsed Platner, referring to him as a "total dirtbag."
The allegations against Platner, which surfaced earlier this week, include claims from two ex-girlfriends. One woman accused Platner of removing a condom without consent during sex, while another alleged that he entered her home without permission and raped her while intoxicated. These accusations have led to widespread calls for Platner to withdraw from the race, including from prominent figures such as Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and other progressive leaders. Sanders, who initially supported Platner, has since urged him to step aside, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Fetterman has called for Sanders and other progressive voices to apologize for their earlier support of Platner's candidacy. According to The Hill, Fetterman stated, "I mean, it's not like—how did we not know this was going to happen?" He also criticized Platner's behavior, mentioning his alleged use of platforms like Kik for anonymous sexting.
Platner, in response to the allegations, released a video denying the accusations and emphasizing the "inaccuracy of the reporting." However, he acknowledged the potential impact on his campaign and stated that he was taking time to consider the best path forward.
The situation has prompted a reevaluation among Democrats and progressives, with many rescinding their endorsements of Platner. As reported by Yahoo News, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Ro Khanna are among those who have urged Platner to drop out of the race.
As the fallout continues, Fetterman remains vocal about the need for accountability and transparency within the party, especially in light of such serious allegations.