Bernie Sanders calls for Platner to drop out of Maine Senate race; Republicans seek to quell McConnell health speculation

Succession fight in Maine Senate race

Bernie Sanders, the independent senator from Vermont, has called on Graham Platner to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine, citing “very serious allegations” of sexual assault. Sanders stated that he recommended Platner step aside. While Platner denies the allegations, the initial report by Politico and later the Washington Post prompted several prominent Democrats to urge him to quit the race.

However, on Tuesday evening, Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson released a video saying the party is developing an “open, inclusive, transparent and fair” process to select a new nominee but will not disclose details until Platner formally withdraws. She added that Platner's team has repeatedly tried to influence the process.

According to the Politico report, Jenny Racicot, 41, who previously dated Platner, said he forced her to have sex despite repeated objections. Racicot described the incident as rape. Platner has denied the allegations.

Republican leaders calm McConnell health concerns

Meanwhile, Republican leaders have moved to quash speculation about Mitch McConnell's health. The former Republican Senate leader, 84, was hospitalized on June 14, but his office declined to say why. This sparked backlash from Donald Trump's supporters, with some claiming his condition is worse than acknowledged.

Current Republican Senate leader John Thune said Tuesday he spoke with McConnell by phone on Monday. A Thune spokesperson called the conversation “lengthy and substantive.” Senate Republican whip John Barrasso also confirmed a roughly 20-minute call with McConnell.

Other developments

• Donald Trump has revived his bid for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, threatening to pull all American armed forces out of Europe if the continent continues to resist. He also suggested his commitment to defending Europe has been tempered by leaders' decisions on immigration and energy.
• A federal appeals panel struck down a significant portion of Ron DeSantis's so-called Stop Woke Act, ruling that its higher education component violated First Amendment free speech rights by restricting professors' ability to discuss race and gender concepts.
• An exclusive Guardian/Harris Poll found that 95% of Americans believe the U.S. is experiencing an affordability crisis, with many struggling with rising grocery and gas costs amid the war in Iran and ahead of key midterm elections.