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Krull Commentary: McConnell, Platner and the politics of entitlement
This column was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com. By John Krull TheStatehouseFile.com July 10, 2026 The medical mystery surrounding U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and the political meltdown of Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner together illustrate much of what is wrong with American politics today. Many, many ambitious people in this country see running
Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race
In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.
McConnell, Platner and the politics of entitlement
The medical mystery surrounding U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and the political meltdown of Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner together illustrate much of what is wrong with American
Graham Platner submits notice to formally withdraw from Maine Senate race
Maine is considered a key state for control of the narrowly divided Senate, and Democrats were desperate for a candidate capable of defeating Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Sexual Assault Allegations Reshape Political Races from Maine to San Francisco
Sexual assault allegations have upended high-profile political campaigns across the country. This week, Democrat Graham Platner, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, suspended his campaign following an accusation of rape. It comes months after former East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial bid collapsed under similar allegations. Now, a sexual assault allegation has emerged
Bangor Daily News political editor: Voters need 'time to heal' after Platner fallout
Bangor Daily News political editor Michael Shepherd discusses the difficult path forward for Maine Democrats as they search for a new U.S. Senate candidate following the allegations against Graham Platner on 'The Will Cain Show.'
Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race
In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.
Graham Platner withdraws from Maine Senate race, kicking off quest for nominee
He formally submitted his paperwork on Friday.
Platner officially terminates Senate bid after bombshell rape allegation ends campaign
Graham Platner filed paperwork hours before a crucial deadline, allowing Maine Democrats to replace him after sexual misconduct allegations.
Senate bill tries to 'fix' college sports
Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Ted Cruz, R-Texas, are spearheading new legislation addressing many of the concerns surrounding college athletics
Graham Platner officially drops out of the Maine Senate race
Democrats have until July 27 to find another candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections.
How Maine's Democratic meltdown could shape the Senate midterms
Collapse of Democrats' Maine Senate campaign highlights divisions within the party.
The Senate reconvenes Monday. Will Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell be there?
As Mitch McConnell is in his nearly four weeks of hospitalization, it’s unknown whether he will return to the Senate Monday afternoon.
Political expert says Platner’s exit unprecedented in modern Maine politics
University of Southern Maine political science professor Ron Schmidt says he has never seen a U.S. Senate candidate in Maine withdraw this close to Election Day. He compared the Graham Platner situation to the 2024 presidential race, when…
Pennsylvania businesses brace for upheaval ahead of crucial skill games deadline
From taverns to gas stations to so-called skill games parlors, business owners across the state are bracing for an unknown future as time runs out for...
Senate investigates what health officials knew about COVID-19 vaccine side effects
A Senate review led by Sen. Ron Johnson is examining how federal officials handled reports of possible COVID-19 vaccine side effects.
Whole Hog Politics: As goes Maine, so goes …
Graham Platner announced the suspension — but as of this writing, still not the formal withdrawal — of his Senate candidacy in a video that was solipsistic even for our self-regarding age. It’s no wonder that he’s been getting...
Replacing Senate Candidates Is a Risky Business
There have been more losses than wins for substitute U.S. Senate candidates. But Graham Platner’s replacement in Maine isn’t necessarily doomed.
Video Footage Shows McConnell Taken By Ambulance—As Pressure For Health Update Grows Ahead Of Senate’s Return Monday
The Senate returns from recess Monday, nearly a month after McConnell was hospitalized on June 14.
It’s not me, it’s them: Platner goes down snarling with graceless exit video
The populist Democrat nominee for Senate in Maine bowed to the inevitable but turned his farewell into a pity party
Trump Brushed Off His Scandals. Here’s Why Platner Couldn’t.
Why Democrats can't play by Trump rules.
Mississippi mobile sports betting debate resurfaces amid lieutenant governor warning
Mississippi’s debate over mobile sports betting has resurfaced after Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann posted a warning on X urging the Senate to reject the measure.
Socialists launch radical platform to abolish the US Senate in bid to fundamentally transform America
The Democratic Socialists of America plans to unveil a platform eliminating the Senate and replacing the president with an executive chosen by Congress.
Harold Ford Jr: Our character standards have changed in politics
‘The Five’ analyzes the Democratic Party’s path forward after Graham Platner dropped out of the Maine U.S. Senate race.
Republican Sen. Grassley probing FBI Director Patel’s travel and spending
Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley has asked FBI Director Kash Patel to defend his use of FBI aircraft and purchase of BMWs in a letter obtained by CNN, an indication that the powerful Republican chairman is conducting his own oversight of Patel’s controversial spending of taxpayer dollars.
Haley Stevens knows how to win in Michigan. Dems must decide if that's enough to win the Senate
Holding Michigan’s Senate seat is essential to any Democratic path back to the Senate majority this fall.
Mitch McConnell's health absence a mystery with US Senate poised to return
The U.S. Senate returns on Monday for a four-week work period expected to include votes on defense and other national security legislation, with one of the most influential voices on those issues – Republican Senator Mitch McConnell – still absent with undisclosed health problems.
Mitch McConnell's Health Absence a Mystery With US Senate Poised to Return
By David Morgan WASHINGTON, July 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate returns on Monday for a four-week work period expected to include votes on defense and other national security legislation, with one of the most influential voices on those issues – Republican Senator Mitch McConnell – still absent ...
Can't believe 'moral depravity' of the Democratic Party, political commentator expresses
'Fox News @ Night' panelists Brianna Lyman and Shirin Yadegar discuss Graham Platner's withdrawal from the Maine Senate race following allegations against him.
Merkley Joins Push to Kick Private Equity Out of Kids' Sports and Stop the Ripoffs
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley announced he joined Senate and House lawmakers in supporting the Let Kids Play Act, legislation to stop Wall Street from pricing kids out of sports. The proposed legislation bans private equity firms from taking over youth sports, shutting down the vulture practices they use to jack up costs, and getting money back to the families who […]
Who will replace Graham Platner on the Maine ballot?
Democrats in Maine are beginning a sprint to nominate a new candidate for a pivotal U.S. Senate seat, This, after progressive nominee Graham Platner announced he's withdrawing from the race after a sexual assault allegation.
Maine Democrats seek path forward in critical US Senate race
At least five candidates have come forward in the hours since Graham Platner dropped out less than three weeks before the ballot deadline.
Bill to protect health care workers from workplace violence set for Senate vote next week
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka unveiled a bill Thursday mandating employers to offer paid leave to healthcare workers assaulted on the job.
What happens next in Maine and the battle for Senate control
After a twisty-turny month in Maine politics, the uncertain fate of the Senate race — and perhaps the Senate itself — may be written in the weeks to come.
Talarico polling stronger with Texas' Black voters than expected, but enthusiasm questions remain
Recent polling from The Texas Politics Project suggests Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico is performing better with Black voters than his predecessors were at this point in their campaigns.
Patrick Dempsey says he's not running for Senate in Maine as Democrats weigh a replacement
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star quashed speculation that he was among those being considered to replace embattled Democratic nominee Graham Platner.
Platner’s Exit Sets Off Scramble for New Senate Candidate in Maine
The state Democratic Party has said it will pick a replacement through a nominating convention before a July 27 deadline. Candidates are already lining up.
Trump's voter ID bill catches unlikely break as McConnell remains sidelined
Mitch McConnell's weeks-long absence removes one key "no" vote on the SAVE America Act, but Senate Republicans still face a filibuster problem.
What’s Going On With Mitch McConnell’s Health And What Are The Political Implications
Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has been absent from Congress for nearly a month as he remains hospitalized.
Live updates: U.S. and Iran escalate attacks; jockeying starts in Maine after Graham Platner drops Senate bid
Get live updates and the latest news as the U.S. and Iran escalate attacks and Maine Democrats jockey to replace Graham Platner as the party nominee for Senate after he withdraws from the race.
Trump’s escalating attacks on Iran pose risks at home
In today’s issue: ▪ Platner drops Senate candidacy ▪ Trump’s promises at NATO summit ▪ Kentucky governor requests McConnell update ▪ ObamaCare hikes give fuel to Democrats The latest rounds o…
Maine Democrats plan convention to replace scandal-hit Platner
Senate pick announced his withdrawal in angry video accusing party and media of acting as ‘judge, jury and executioner’
Analysis | Democratic Party fissures are shaping Michigan’s crucial Senate primary
The race is the next, and perhaps biggest, battle between the Democrats’ warring factions.
Patrick Dempsey shuts down Maine Senate buzz as Democrats weigh a replacement
In an editorial, Dempsey emphasized the challenges Mainers face, like housing and healthcare. He decided against running, believing he can contribute more effectively through his current work.
GOP tightens grip on Senate amid Dems' dysfunction in Maine
As Democrats scramble to contain a political disaster in Maine, the Republicans on the front lines of the GOP's fight to hold the U.S. Senate majority are breathing a sigh of relief.
Maine Democrats plan convention to replace Platner
The Maine Democratic Party has voted to hold a convention now that Graham Platner has announced he'll drop out of the U.S. Senate race.
Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race
Democrat Graham Platner says he plans to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after a woman who dated him said he drunkenly forced her to have sex despite her telling him to stop. Platner denies the allegation.
How Mitch McConnell’s absence complicates the Senate’s business and war funding
The 84-year-old's hospital stay may make it harder for Republicans to break a stalemate over funding, including $87 billion for the Pentagon as the Iran war reignites.
Senate hopeful Haley Stevens knows how to win in Michigan. Democrats must decide if that's enough
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is closing Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary by arguing she is the party’s strongest candidate to beat Republicans
G.O.P Shutdown Anxiety & McConnell’s AWOL Politics
Senate Republicans are anxious about a possible preelection government shutdown instigated by Democrats. Plus, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pushes Mitch McConnell’s team on health updates.
Graham Platner debacle puts Democrats in grave danger of blowing it in the midterms
The meltdown in Maine’s Senate race risks the Democrats’ opportunity to turn Trump into a lame duck president.
US Senate nominee Platner halts campaign after assault allegations
A string of high-profile Democrats have withdrawn support for Platner following sexual assault allegation.
Does a Sex Assault Claim Kill a Political Career? It Depends.
The swift exit of Graham Platner from the Maine Senate race followed Eric Swalwell’s similar exit from the California governor’s race, but Republicans have taken a different tack.
Graham Platner says he'll withdraw from Senate race in Maine
Platner stressed that his decision was not an admission of guilt.
Graham Platner drops out of U.S. Senate race, opening narrow path to replace him
Graham Platner's exit from the race comes just days before a statutory deadline allowing the Maine Democratic Party to replace him by July 27. So far, party leaders aren't saying how that process is going to work.
Graham Platner drops his bid for Senate after facing an allegation of rape
Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.
Graham Platner drops out of Senate race, allowing Maine Democrats to replace him
His decision comes within days of a key deadline, allowing Maine’s Democratic Party to select a new candidate to face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in a critical contest for Senate control.
Graham Platner drops Maine Senate bid, clearing way for Democrats to pick new nominee
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner said Wednesday he was ending his campaign, clearing the way for Democrats to select a new candidate to take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins in one of the most important contests of November’s midterm elections.
Graham Platner ends U.S. Senate campaign in Maine
Maine Democrats have until July 27 to choose a replacement candidate to take on Sen. Susan Collins (R).
Patrick Dempsey doesn’t want to replace Graham Platner in Maine U.S. Senate race
In a new op-ed, Patrick Dempsey declared he’s ‘concerned about the direction our country is heading,’ but will not replace Graham Platner in the Maine U.S. Senate race after calls mount for the Democratic nominee to drop out following sexual assault allegations against him.
Trump Administration Removes, Then Restores, Ocean Science Instruments
PROVINCETOWN — After the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the “Saving the OOI Act” on June 17, the Trump administration backed off its plan to dismantle a $386-million ocean monitoring system […]
Platner leave Democrats with egg on their faces
Democrats have a number of Graham Platner-related problems as they await his decision on whether to drop out of the Maine Senate race amid a rape allegation he denies.
Democratic fighting escalates in Maine as Graham Platner stalls on making a decision
Platner’s campaign and the state party have been publicly sparring, with the campaign denying it’s trying to unduly influence who would replace him as the Senate nominee.
Who is Valli Geiger? Meet the Maine Dem that Platner is urging to run for Senate
Maine state Rep. Valli Geiger said Graham Platner encouraged her to consider replacing him in the Senate race but he has not dropped out yet and others are being discussed as possible contenders.
Graham Platner’s campaign implosion highlights the hollowness of America’s political parties and how they can be hijacked by insurgents
Graham Platner’s Senate campaign has imploded amid credible accusations of rape. A Maine political scientist looks at what happened and how the populist Platner resembles Donald Trump in key ways.
Platner's sex assault allegations shine light on state of American politics
Many of the Maine Democrat's potential Senate colleagues have dropped their support, which had withstood once-disqualifying reports of distasteful behavior.
Platner's sex assault allegations shine light on state of American politics
Many of the Maine Democrat's potential Senate colleagues have dropped their support, which had withstood once-disqualifying reports of distasteful behavior.
Markey, Moulton meet in first Senate primary debate
The hourlong event marked the first head-to-head matchup between the pair after months of back-and-forth over when, where, and how many debates should take place in the state’s signature political race.
Inside Michigan’s slugfest of a Senate primary
Democrats are in the middle of a hostile fight between Abdul El-Sayed, backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rep. Haley Stevens, the choice of Chuck Schumer.
Graham Platner, Bob Dylan and the concept of leverage
Graham Platner is the only one who can make a decision about his role in the Senate race going forward. And Platner has nothing to lose.
What to know about Graham Platner and the Maine US Senate race
Here's what we know about the Maine Senate race and what could be next.
Democratic Senate Hopeful Abdul El-Sayed Is Running Against Both Parties
His progressive campaign's strength in Michigan has caught some Democrats off guard
Graham Platner, isolated, defies Maine Democrats as they try to hatch a plan
People close to the Senate candidate’s campaign say that they know he has to drop out but that Platner has struggled with the decision.
Succession fight is underway as calls mount for Graham Platner to drop out of Senate race
The allegation reported Monday prompted a chorus of calls for Platner to depart the high-stakes race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins, which could decide party control of the Senate.
Questions surround Mitch McConnell’s health, return to Senate
Emergency dispatch audio indicating that someone at Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) home in Washington, D.C., suffered “cardiac arrest” earlier this month has raised questions about when the former …
GOP senator accuses NYT of sitting on bombshell allegation to protect Schumer, Dems
Sen. Tim Scott accuses Chuck Schumer and The New York Times of coordinating to delay damaging allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner.
Kentucky Gov. Beshear presses McConnell to provide health update as speculation grows
McConnell, the former longtime Senate leader who declined to seek an eighth term following a series of health scares, was admitted to a hospital on June 14.
Platner’s campaign working to navigate exit from consequential Maine race, sources say
Graham Platner and a small team of strategists behind his candidacy are trying to navigate an exit from the consequential Senate race in Maine without entirely squandering the movement he built, people familiar with the matter said, rather than digging in or trying to find a path forward for his candidacy.
In Maine, voters consider their options as they await Platner’s decision
With the embattled Democratic Senate nominee under pressure to leave the key race, other politicians are maneuvering to replace him on the ballot.
Succession fight under way as Bernie Sanders calls for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race
Vermont senator is latest figure to call for Democratic nominee to step down after sexual assault allegations
The Low-Key Lawyer at the Center of the Search for a Platner Replacement
Charles Dingman, chair of the Maine Democratic Party and a progressive, would play a key role in choosing the state’s Democratic Senate candidate if Graham Platner leaves the race.
WATCH: Far-left Senate candidate ripped on transparency, money in politics during fiery debate
Haley Stevens unloads on Abdul El-Sayed for not releasing his tax returns: ‘What are you hiding?’
Platner may be finished, but voters' hunger for change and willingness to take risks will remain
Graham Platner's bid for Maine Senate may be all but over, but it's likely other candidates will find themselves on a similar path in the future.
El-Sayed, Stevens trade pointed barbs in Democratic US Senate debate
With four weeks to go until the Aug. 4 primary, the two Democrats held a debate in Grand Rapids hosted by WOOD-TV8
Maine Democrats have begun to plan for how to replace Senate nominee Graham Platner if he steps aside
Top Maine Democrat Says Platner Will Have ‘No Role’ in Picking Next Nominee
A leading state party official said that Graham Platner’s team had “repeatedly” tried to “put their thumb on the scale,” but he would not influence how the party chose a new Senate candidate.
El-Sayed and Stevens clash over AIPAC and other takeaways from the Michigan Senate debate
Rep. Haley Stevens pitched herself as a “workhorse” on Capitol Hill. Abdul El-Sayed said he represents “a threat to politics as usual.”
Dem civil war hits primary debate stage as El-Sayed and Stevens clash: 'What are you hiding?'
Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens clashed in a fiery Michigan Senate debate as the Democratic primary exposes a rift between progressives and moderates.
These Maine Democrats Might Replace Graham Platner in the Senate Race
Mr. Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race after a rape allegation, but Democrats in the state and nationally are already exploring potential alternatives.
Dem Senate hopeful pocketed massive taxpayer-funded cash while skipping hundreds of votes
Josh Turek, Paralympic gold medalist and Iowa Senate candidate, allegedly collected over $20,000 in per diem while missing 58.7% of his 2026 votes.
Slotkin, Ossoff Demand Answers After Hegseth Denied Military Officers’ Promotions for Political Reasons
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and colleagues are demanding answers after reports that Secretary Hegseth denied military officers’ promotions for political reasons. Secretary Hegseth reportedly blocked the promotion of eight Navy captains to be one-star admirals –– including the promotions of two female officers and two Black officers. “We write concerning reports […]
If Platner stays on ballot ‘the seat is gone’ for Democrats: Political analyst
Pressure mounts on Graham Platner (D) to exit the Maine senate race amid allegations of sexual assault he denies. NBC News reporters Sahil Kapur and Jon Allen discuss the political fallout for Platner and where the race goes from here. Jessica Taylor, Senate and Governors Editor for the Cook Political Report, talks about Democrats’ chances to flip the Senate without Maine.
Platner’s three-day vetting job comes back to haunt Dems as rape allegation rocks Senate bid
Democratic operatives paid only $6,250 for a rushed background check on Graham Platner, missing a Nazi tattoo, rape allegations, and Reddit posts.
McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health, remains hospitalized
Senate Republican leaders have spoken to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as he remains in the hospital
McConnell speaks to Republican leaders as speculation swirls about his health
Senate Republican leaders have spoken to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as he remains in the hospital.
McConnell speaks to GOP leaders as speculation swirls about health, hospitalization
Senate Republican leaders have spoken to Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as he remains in the hospital
Yormark says Protect College Sports Act is about ‘progress over perfection’
While not a perfect solution, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday he supports the Protect College Sports Act that is currently working its way through the U.S. Senate. Speaking on day on…
Who will replace Graham Platner if he drops out? Here's how Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee.
Democrats have a brief window of time to replace Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on the ballot if he drops out of the race amid a sexual assault allegation.