Maine Senate campaign suspends (AP image on right)WASHINGTON: Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner has suspended his campaign for the US Senate in Maine after a woman accused him of sexual assault, prompting top party leaders to call for his withdrawal.In an 11-minute video posted on X, Platner denied the allegation, calling it "false", and said his decision to suspend the campaign was not an admission of guilt. Instead, he blamed Democratic leaders for threatening to cut off campaign support.He said he would officially withdraw from the race only after being assured that his replacement would be selected through an "open, transparent and democratic" process. Under Maine law, he must formally drop out by 13 July for another Democrat to appear on the November ballot.Party withdraws supportThe allegation became public on Monday after a 41-year-old woman accused Platner of entering her home uninvited and sexually assaulting her. She alleged he appeared intoxicated during the incident.Following the accusation, several prominent Democrats, including senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, withdrew their support. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Maine Democratic Party also ended their backing, effectively collapsing his campaignWhat's next?The Maine Democratic Party will now choose a replacement nominee at a convention in the coming weeks."There is an unprecedented amount of energy and enthusiasm among Maine Democrats, driven in part by many of the dedicated volunteers and supporters who were inspired by Graham Platners's campaign," the party said in a statement after Platner dropped out.Several potential candidates have already expressed interest in entering the race against Republican Senator Susan Collins, a key contest for Democrats hoping to gain control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.