Maine Senate candidate drops out, citing Platner's post on military rape [View all]

Source: The Hill

Maine’s Daira Smith-Rodriguez (D) suspended her Senate campaign Thursday and threw her support behind Gov. Janet Mills (D) citing fellow candidate Graham Platner’s past comments “dismissing the seriousness of rape in the military.”

“It has become clear that Republicans are eager to see a crowded Democratic primary that divides our voices and strengthens theirs,” Smith-Rodriguez, a U.S. Air Force civilian contracting officer, wrote in a statement. “I will not allow that to happen.”

“There are incredible leaders in this race who are talking about the real issues facing Mainers — from affordability and healthcare to housing and climate,” she said.

Smith-Rodriguez, a survivor of sexual assault in the military, added she “cannot, in good conscience, indicate support or remain silent if there is even a possibility that someone who questions the reality of this crisis could be elevated to the United States Senate.”

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/maine-senate-candidate-drops-citing-191112012.html