Valli Geiger was not expected to become one of the leading names in Maine's closely watched Senate race. Graham Platner's decision to suspend his campaign has changed that, placing the veteran lawmaker among several Democrats now being considered to take on Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
Geiger, a Democratic state representative from Rockland, came into the spotlight after revealing that Platner had personally encouraged her to consider replacing him on the ballot if he withdrew from the race. Although no successor has been chosen, her political experience, healthcare background and longstanding involvement in local government have quickly made her one of the most closely watched figures in the party's search for a new nominee.
