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Bellows, Shah formally announce plans to replace Platner in Senate race

Bellows, Shah formally announce plans to replace Platner in Senate race

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, Associated Press


Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has announced her run for Senate, a day after Graham Platner suspended his campaign.

The announcement comes after Bellows lost her bid for Maine governor.

In a statement issued Thursday, Bellows said:

“I’ve spent my entire career taking on tough fights for working people, and I’m not stopping now. I’m running for United States Senate, and together we are going to defeat Susan Collins.”

Bellows unsuccessfully challenged Sen. Collins as the Democratic nominee in 2014.

Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah, who also ran unsuccessfully for governor, are seeking the nomination as well.

Shah, the former Maine CDC Director, held an event Thursday where he said he wouldn’t turn his back on Platner supporters, saying in part:

“You have an important place in this campaign and we welcome your voices. This campaign represents the values we all care about.”

It comes as the Maine Democratic party looks to distance itself from Platner following an allegation of rape by an ex-girlfriend, but not his progressive message.

The party is looking to hold a 600-person convention to nominate a new candidate by July 27.

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