Graham Platner considering 'best path forward' in Maine Senate race after denying sexual assault claim
出典: NBC News
Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing a serious allegation of sexual assault that has thrown his candidacy into uncertainty. A former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, 41, claims that in 2021, Platner arrived at her home unannounced and intoxicated, and forcibly assaulted her. Her account was reported by Politico and corroborated by an interview posted by CNN. The allegation has become a significant disruption in a Senate race widely considered critical to the Democratic Party's efforts to reclaim the Senate majority.
Racicot described the incident in vivid and disturbing detail, telling Politico, 'I remember him grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me. I remember the specific moment where I thought to myself, like, this is no longer my choice.' Politico reported that it reviewed messages between Racicot and her therapist and spoke with two individuals she had confided in during 2023. Racicot had also previously appeared in a New York Times piece featuring several women who described 'unsettling' behavior by Platner during their time dating him.
Platner categorically denied the allegations, calling Racicot's account false and describing the report as a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated by outside political operatives. 'These allegations are troubling, serious, and false. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically untrue,' he stated. Despite his denial, Platner released a video suggesting he was reconsidering his candidacy, saying he was taking time to reflect on 'the best path forward' given what he described as the unavoidable political consequences of the reporting.
Several prominent supporters swiftly withdrew their endorsements following the allegations. Representative Ro Khanna of California, a vocal backer of Platner's campaign, called the accusations 'very serious and credible' and publicly demanded that Platner drop out of the race. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona similarly rescinded his endorsement, describing the allegations as 'troubling and deeply serious.' The rapid withdrawal of high-profile support signals how damaging the allegations have become for Platner's political standing.
NBC News has not independently verified the allegations, and Racicot declined to comment through a representative at the time of reporting. Platner's campaign maintained that the allegations were 'coached and coordinated by out of state establishment operatives,' insisting they were politically motivated. The race against incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins had been seen as a key battleground for Democrats. The outcome of Platner's deliberations over his candidacy could have significant consequences for the party's broader Senate strategy heading into the election.
日本語訳
メイン州の民主党上院候補グラハム・プラトナーは、性的暴行の深刻な申し立てによって出馬継続が不透明な状況に陥っている。元交際相手のジェニー・ラシコット（41歳）は、2021年にプラトナーが酔った状態で突然自宅を訪れ、性的暴行を加えたと主張している。この証言はポリティコが報じ、CNNもインタビューを公開した。この疑惑は、民主党が上院多数派奪還を目指す上で重要な選挙区に大きな混乱をもたらしている。
ラシコットはポリティコに対し、「彼が私の骨盤をつかみ、非常に力づくだった。『これはもう自分の意志ではない』と思った瞬間をはっきり覚えている」と生々しく語った。ポリティコはラシコットとセラピストのやり取りを確認し、彼女が2023年に打ち明けた2人とも話したと報じた。ラシコットは以前、ニューヨーク・タイムズの記事にも登場しており、プラトナーと交際した複数の女性が「不安を覚えるような言動」があったと証言している。
プラトナーは疑惑を全面否定し、ラシコットの証言を虚偽と断言。この報道を外部の政治工作員が仕組んだ中傷活動だと主張した。「これらの申し立ては重大で深刻だが、虚偽だ。合意のない行為に関するいかなる申し立ても断じて事実ではない」と声明で述べた。一方で動画では、報道がもたらす政治的影響を認め、「最善の進路を熟慮している」として出馬継続を見直す可能性を示唆した。
有力な支持者たちは疑惑を受けて相次いで推薦を撤回した。熱心な支援者だったカリフォルニア州のロー・カンナ下院議員は申し立てを「非常に深刻で信憑性がある」と評し、プラトナーに撤退を求めて推薦取り消しを公表した。アリゾナ州のルベン・ガレゴ上院議員も「憂慮すべき極めて深刻な内容」だとして推薦を撤回した。有力支持者たちの素早い離反は、疑惑がプラトナーの政治的立場に与えたダメージの大きさを示している。
NBCニュースは独自に疑惑を確認しておらず、ラシコットも代理人を通じてコメントを断った。プラトナー陣営は申し立てを「州外の既成勢力による仕込み」と主張し、政治的動機によるものだと強調している。現職共和党のスーザン・コリンズ上院議員との争いは民主党の重要な選挙区と見なされてきた。プラトナーが出馬継続について下す判断は、党全体の上院戦略に大きな影響を与える可能性がある。
重要単語・フレーズ
- allegationnoun
A claim or assertion that someone has done something wrong or illegal, made without definitive proof.
和訳: 申し立て、疑惑
The executive resigned after allegations of financial misconduct surfaced in the press.
- revoke an endorsementphrase
To officially withdraw one's public support or approval of a candidate or cause that was previously given.
和訳: 推薦を取り消す
The party leader revoked his endorsement after the candidate made a series of controversial statements.
- categoricallyadverb
In a completely clear and direct manner, without any doubt or qualification.
和訳: 断固として、完全に
The minister categorically denied any involvement in the corruption scandal.
- smearnoun
A deliberate attempt to damage someone's reputation by spreading false or misleading information.
和訳: 中傷、名誉毀損
The opposition accused the ruling party of running a smear campaign against its rival.
