(I mean, I don't really know.) I just remember once Platner showed up, Schumer RAN to endorse a candidate not likely to win. Was Collins an alternative to Platner and Mills that early?

From the perspective of "the party" Costello, like Platner, had never run for and won elected office, so would not be considered "vetted." But he does have extensive experience in local and state government.

his face with the “see you in court” line when he was harassing her at the governor’s lunch. That was my assumption as to why she really got Schumer’s attention.

Or Shenna Bellows.

a) Platner stepping aside (and he's got a lot of chutzpah, given that he entered the race with that tattoo and the skeletons he knew about,) b) people stepping up to enter a precarious race with a short amount of time left, and c) whether or not the DNC tried to push for any one replacement.

So far all I’ve seen mentioned is a governor who could barely raise any money and a guy who didn’t get out of single digits in the polls when he was actively campaigning. I’m not sure that constitutes a lot.

Mills would beat collins, Costello has a chance but I think Mills would be the best candidate... and I don't GAF how old she is, Bernie is older and she's just as sharp if not more so.

Clearly gaining some Mills voters. To say he was gaining ground overall is ridiculous. He got 8% of the vote.

And Platner focused attacks on Mills, which I think weakens her relative to Costello.

There is time between now and the election. I just think the people supporting Platner would be happier with Costello than Mills.

He may tough it out. I just posted a scenario I think would be better than rubber stamping Mills if he drops out.

And why would Platner get to choose?!

I have no idea what he thinks of Costello. I do know they have similar progressive agendas and that Platner focused attacks on Janet Mills, not David Costello.

Or he may tough it out.

If he does drop out, it will ultimately be up to the party, but an endorsement would be a good thing.

the question, was he a plant all along?

Voters need to know.

https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/21-a/title21-Asec374-A.html
§374-A. General election candidates; vacancy
1. Vacancy and replacement of nominees. The Secretary of State shall declare the vacancy as provided in section 362‑A and a political committee may make a replacement nomination for the general election only if a person nominated for an office at a primary election or by a political committee:
A. Withdraws on or before 5 p.m. of the 2nd Monday in July preceding the general election in accordance with section 367; [PL 2011, c. 342, §12 (AMD).]
B. Withdraws because of a catastrophic illness, condition or injury that has permanently and continuously incapacitated the candidate and would prevent performance of the duties of the office sought, as long as the candidate or a member of the candidate's immediate family files with the Secretary of State a certificate accompanying the withdrawal request that describes the illness, condition or injury and is signed by a licensed physician; or [PL 2015, c. 447, §12 (AMD).]
C. Dies prior to the general election. [PL 1989, c. 341, §2 (NEW).]

Or someone, if Platner is gone.

If it's Mills, then I hope voters embrace the campaign.

But I do worry about Mills, particularly since Platner focused attacks on her, which I think weakens her relative to Costello

Also, Costello and Platner have similar progressive agendas. Endorsing him would make more sense on keeping the movement going.

There is time between now and the election to build support for whoever ends up the nominee -- even if he were to tough it out (which, given his video statement is unlikely.)

I just think the people supporting Platner would be happier with Costello than Mills.

She will be the nominee when Planter drops out.

IMO, David Costello would be a better pick to carry the movement forward, and I hope Platner endorses him if he drops out.

Costello and Platner have similar progressive agendas.

And Platner focused attacks on Mills, not Costello, which I think weakens her relative to Costello.

There is time between now and the election to build support for whoever the Dems pick. I just think the people supporting Platner would be happier with Costello than Mills.

At this point?

And it's not a 'choice'. She's next in line my vote.