Mr. Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race after a rape allegation, but Democrats in the state and nationally are already exploring potential alternatives.
Potential candidates and their backers moved quickly to gain an edge in the contest over who would replace Graham Platner if he exits the key Senate race.
Many voters said they expected Graham Platner, the state's Democratic nominee for Senate, to exit the race after a former girlfriend publicly accused him of sexual assault.
