Graham Platner has not left Maine Democrats with any good options.

He wants to pick who gets his ballot slot when (not if) he withdraws.

Progressives in the state definitely want a radical progressive candidate.

Establishmentarians want someone “electable”, someone who’s main qualification is a high potential to unseat Susan Collins.

None of the players seem to like each other very much.

So far, the succession battle has played out in a murky power vacuum. A growing number of candidates are teasing their entry into the race as a fight shapes up between the progressive wing and the establishment camp of the Democratic Party.

Platner became a populist hero among the party’s left flank, pulling far ahead of an establishment-backed candidate, Gov. Janet Mills, in the primary. Now, progressive groups fear that political ground could be lost.

“To the Democratic establishment: This is not your opening,” said Joseph Geevarghese, who leads Our Revolution. The organization founded by Sanders backed and then withdrew its endorsement of Platner after the sexual assault allegation. The group said Tuesday that it was “rallying behind” another progressive contender, Troy Jackson, who announced he’s “exploring” a candidacy.

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Of course, every potential successor to Platner suffers from a lack of a clear primary mandate.

Janet Mills, Platner’s opponent in the primary, garnered less than 20% of the votes.

Progressives such as Troy Jackson didn’t even run.

Everyone who might take Platner’s place has to ramp up a campaign organization and stake out a campaign platform literally overnight. Under Maine election law, Platner has until 5PM July 13 to withdraw, and the Democrats have until July 27 to put someone else in his place.

Significantly, Maine does not specify how parties choose their alternative candidates, and the Democratic Party itself does not have a succession mechanism established.

Platner has ensured the Democrats in Maine are not going to enjoy a summer of love this election cycle.