Key facts
- Maine Democrats will hold their first public Senate debate Thursday.
- The debate is a scramble to find a nominee to challenge GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
- Dan Kleban was not invited to the debate due to not meeting a vote threshold.
- One candidate called for the inclusion of other declared candidates to ensure transparency.
Maine Democrats are scrambling to find a nominee to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins after a candidate, Platner, withdrew from the race following a sexual assault allegation. The party faces a critical need to win this seat to gain control of the Senate in November.
Thursday's debate marks the first public forum for candidates vying to replace Platner. The selection process will culminate at a July 25 nominating convention where over 600 delegates will make the final choice. Candidates have been actively seeking to secure Platner's former base of support.
Notably, Dan Kleban, who had previously withdrawn from the Senate race to support Governor Janet Mills over Platner, did not receive an invitation to the debate. A spokesperson for News Center Maine stated that Kleban did not meet the required vote threshold for an invitation. Kleban did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Candidate Jackson issued a statement urging News Center Maine to include other declared candidates. Jackson emphasized the importance of ensuring the process is open, transparent, and fair to restore voter trust. The 90-minute debate will be broadcast statewide on WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2.