{"id":2626438,"date":"2026-07-08T07:32:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T11:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/platner-could-use-his-cash-to-help-a-replacement-or-abandon-them\/"},"modified":"2026-07-08T07:32:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T11:32:45","slug":"platner-could-use-his-cash-to-help-a-replacement-or-abandon-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/platner-could-use-his-cash-to-help-a-replacement-or-abandon-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Platner could use his cash to help a replacement or abandon them"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fplatner-could-use-his-cash-to-help-a-replacement-or-abandon-them%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2626438&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Graham Platner, a Maine Senate candidate embroiled in controversy due to allegations he denies, faces a critical deadline to withdraw from the race against Senator Susan Collins. With just under $2.2 million in campaign funds as of May, he could influence the race either by supporting a successor or hindering one. The Maine Democratic Party has clarified it will not be involved in selecting a replacement, but Platner\u2019s campaign is attempting to sway the outcome, possibly seeking a guarantee that a new nominee aligns with his progressive views. He also has the option to transfer his campaign funds to political parties or use them for legal defenses related to the allegations. If he withdraws by the Monday deadline, the party has until July 27 to select a new candidate, with Platner\u2019s endorsement still holding sway. Democratic strategist Jon Reinish advises platner to step away entirely, emphasizing that he has no leverage in the candidate selection process. Meanwhile, Democratic efforts to secure the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >seat face significant funding gaps compared<\/a> to Republican resources, making the potential candidate replacement a crucial component of the upcoming election.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Embattled Maine Senate hopeful <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/graham-platner\/\">Graham Platner<\/a> could wield his campaign cash in ways that help make or break a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4637616\/graham-platner-sexual-assault-maine-senate\/\">potential replacement Democratic nominee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner has until Monday to withdraw from the battleground race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and kick-start the process of finding another nominee, a once unthinkable outcome that appears all the more likely after <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/watch\/2723581\/\">losing Democratic Party support<\/a> over a rape allegation that Platner has denied.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4639930\/el-sayed-stevens-michigan-senate-debate\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>El-Sayed hits \u2018bought off\u2019 Stevens in debate as she says he\u2019s \u2018propped up\u2019 by GOP<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4639810\/graham-platner-ex-condoms-allegations\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Platner ex <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/platner-ex-alleges-candidate-removed-condoms-during-sex-without-consent\/\" title=\"Platner ex alleges candidate removed condoms during sex without consent\">alleges candidate removed condoms<\/a> during sex without consent: Report<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4639817\/maryland-general-assembly-2028-redistricting-special-session-text-not-released\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Maryland to lay groundwork for 2028 redistricting in August special session<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Platner campaign had just under $2.2 million cash on hand as of May 20, according to the most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission. It\u2019s enough money that, when paired with the national party and allied groups, could bolster a new candidate starting from scratch. But Platner could also use it in ways that hinder a potential successor.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEvery dollar should go to the Maine state Democratic Party,\u201d said Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist and former aide to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who now chairs Senate Democrats\u2019 campaign arm that\u2019s pulled financial support for Platner. \u201cHe should do whatever is the quickest and easiest and step away from public life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner could make unlimited transfers from his campaign to any national, state, or local political\u00a0party committee, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/help-candidates-and-committees\/winding-down-candidate-campaign\/winding-down-costs\/\">according to<\/a> federal election rules. That includes entities like the Maine Democratic Party and Senate Democrats\u2019 campaign arm, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Platner is capped at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/help-candidates-and-committees\/making-disbursements\/making-contributions-other-federal-and-nonfederal-candidates\/\">transferring $2,000<\/a> directly to another candidate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Collins had $9.6 million in the bank as of May 20, underscoring the financial help that any new candidate would need to take on a longtime incumbent flushed with cash. WinSenate, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wind-energy-developer-has-reportedly-funneled-money-to-tim-kaine-since-2011\/\" title=\"Wind developer allegedly gave money to Tim Kaine since 2011.\">political action committee affiliated<\/a> with Democrats\u2019 main super PAC, the Senate Majority PAC, has $19 million in Maine ad reservations for the November general election compared to nearly $46 million from Republicans, according to the ad tracking firm AdImpact.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Platner withdraws by Monday at 5 p.m., the state Democratic Party has until 5 p.m. July 27 to select a new candidate. In addition to the campaign funds, Platner would have undeniable endorsement influence with his voters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources close to the Platner campaign have suggested to <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/live\/2026\/07\/06\/us\/platner-campaign-accusation?smid=url-share#8c96b48c-db09-5a9f-ac05-615f6fc3b409\">media outlets<\/a> that the candidate, who\u2019s yet to make a decision, could use the short timeline to insist on a \u201cguarantee\u201d that a replacement embody his progressive populist views. Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy confirmed the campaign was seeking to sway the outcome, saying in a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MaineDems\/status\/2074653501771194683?s=20\">video statement<\/a> Tuesday night that Platner\u2019s team \u201chas repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale\u201d but that the state party \u201crepeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner\u2019s team that they have no role\u201d in determining another nominee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Platner could also use his money for civil or criminal <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fec.gov\/help-candidates-and-committees\/making-disbursements\/personal-use\/\">legal defenses<\/a> that may arise as a result of the allegations against him, or any other litigation that may arise in relation to his candidacy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A further option is to adopt an approach like Sara Gideon, the 2020 Democratic nominee who lost to Collins. Gideon, the former Maine speaker of the House, ended her campaign with more than $14 million and has since given much of it to other Democrats, organizations, and charities. But she still had nearly $2.7 million as of March 31, according to the most recent filing available, and has been floated by some Democrats as a potential option.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">Campaign volunteers prepare a venue before an event hosted by Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo\/Robert F. Bukaty)<\/p>\n<p>&#8221; data-large-file=&#8221;https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/\/2026\/07\/localimages\/AP26158814059707.jpg?w=696&#8243; &#8220;https:><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Campaign volunteers prepare a venue before an event hosted by Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo\/Robert F. Bukaty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Platner campaign and DSCC were previously in the process of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/lisakashinsky\/status\/2071944555780350423?s=20\">establishing a joint fundraising committee<\/a>, a move often used by Republicans to help coordinate fundraising and spending with candidates. Last week\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4631285\/gop-midterm-cash-advantage-supreme-court-win\/\">Supreme Court ruling<\/a> that struck down coordination limits between political parties and candidates makes Platner\u2019s funds all the more useful for a new candidate, if he transfers them to a party committee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4638950\/troy-jackson-moves-forward-maine-senate-bid-replace-graham-platner\/\">TROY JACKSON FILES EXPLORATORY BID TO REPLACE GRAHAM PLATNER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reinish, the Democratic strategist, admonished the notion Platner should have any leverage to influence what comes next.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHe\u2019s got not one card to play. Zero leverage whatsoever. Neither does his team, neither do the consultants who either didn\u2019t vet him or who sat on information whistling past the graveyard that it wouldn\u2019t come out,\u201d he said. \u201cThese people should have absolutely zero say in who Platner\u2019s replacement is as the party tries to scramble what should be the most winnable seat of all in the quest for the U.S. Senate.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Graham Platner&#8217;s funds may influence Maine Senate replacement<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3108,"featured_media":2626439,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AP26158814059707.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[6543,22685,10680,37055],"class_list":["post-2626438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-charity","tag-decision-making","tag-finance","tag-philanthropy"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/AP26158814059707.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3108"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2626438"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626438\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2626442,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2626438\/revisions\/2626442"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2626439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2626438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2626438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2626438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}