Platner's sex assault allegations shine light on state of American politics

Graham Platner, the Democratic candidate for Maine's U.S. Senate seat, faced withdrawal of party endorsements Monday after allegations that he sexually assaulted a former girlfriend in 2021. Platner denied nonconsensual sexual contact. The allegations came months after reports of infidelity, offensive social media posts, and a Nazi-linked tattoo had already surfaced. Democrats including Senator Ruben Gallego rescinded support, though the article notes Republicans including Senator Mike Lee pointed out the party's earlier support for Donald Trump, who was found liable for sexual abuse of writer E. Jean Carroll in a separate case.