Iowa Senate Race Key as Democrat Hopes Fade in Maine

Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner is facing calls to drop out after a Politico report detailed a sexual assault allegation from an ex-girlfriend. The scandal, which broke just one week before the ballot deadline, has thrown the party's path to a Senate majority into chaos and puts a spotlight on Iowa's own Senate race.

Platner has lost support from the Democratic establishment and key allies, including Senator Bernie Sanders. All have urged him to step aside. But Platner has so far refused, leaving the Maine Democratic Party scrambling to find a replacement by July 27 if he relents.

This is a critical blow for Democrats. They need to flip four seats to reach 51 in the Senate. Maine, where five-term GOP