AXIOS (Hans Nichols) - Scoop: Republicans prepare $8 million ad blitz against Platner replacement
Republicans are preparing to welcome a potential Graham Platner replacement in Maine's Senate race with $8 million in negative ads, aiming to introduce a new Democratic nominee to voters on their own terms before Democrats can. Why it matters: Republicans are doing something Democrats wish they could: Move on from Platner. - The progressive candidate , who said Monday he is taking time to "reflect" on his next steps, remains officially in the race and is looking to leverage his status as the Democratic nominee to influence who could replace him. - Republicans, meanwhile, see an opening: three weeks to prepare a campaign against a Democratic nominee who will have little time to introduce themselves to voters. Driving the news: Pine Tree…