Troy Jackson poised to seize Maine baton after Platner's exit

Driving the news: Jackson all but locked up the nomination last weekend after Democrats across the state overwhelmingly selected his preferred delegate slate ahead of Saturday's convention.

• "We're well on our way to getting the government that we fucking deserve," Jackson said in a video to supporters.
• Top contenders in the crowded race have since ended their campaigns. Nirav Shah, Dan Kleban, and Jordan Wood all backed Jackson.
• The nominee will replace the scandal-plagued Platner, who was accused of sexual assault — an allegation he denies.

Catch up quick: Jackson, whose campaign describes him as a fifth-generation logger and "lifelong fighter for workers' rights," finished third in June's Democratic primary for governor.

• His campaign priorities include passing Medicare for all, cutting off tax dollars to Israel's military, abolishing ICE and passing a federal right to abortion.
• Progressive kingmaker Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Jackson in the gubernatorial race.

What's next: Saturday's convention of 601 delegates from the state's 16 counties will make the new Democratic candidate official.

• "The convention will be fair, representative, and as transparent as possible as we all come together in service of our ultimate goal: defeat Susan Collins and win this Senate seat," Maine Democratic Party Chair Charlie Dingman said in a statement.
• Votes will be cast in rounds until one candidate reaches a majority, according to the party. The delegates are not pledged to any specific candidate, but a majority have reportedly committed to backing Jackson.

Friction point: Jackson may glide through his party's nomination process, but Republicans have been preparing a massive ad blitz against Platner's replacement.

Go deeper: The Trump effect: Why Dems embraced a Platner time bomb