Democratic Officials Increasingly Look to Independent Candidates as Red State Strategy

Democratic officials and allies appear to be increasingly looking to independent candidates in heavily Republican states as a way to compete where the Democratic Party label remains an electoral liability.

The Associated Press reported Friday that Democratic officials in several states have taken a more favorable stance toward independent candidates, including in some races where Democrats have already nominated or are considering their own candidates. The report focuses primarily on activity in Nebraska and Alaska, while also referencing independent Senate campaigns in Idaho, South Dakota, and Montana.

In Nebraska, Democratic Senate nominee Cindy Burbank is expected to withdraw in the coming weeks to avoid pulling support from independent Dan Osborn, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts. The Nebraska Democratic Party is also backing independents in at least four state legislative races in addition to the Senate race. Meanwhile, in Alaska, some Democrats are banking on Bill Hill, a retired school superintendent, to defeat U.S. Rep. Nick Begich for the state’s sole House seat.

The strategy has created some division within Democratic brass. Supporters, including some party officials, defend the strategy on the grounds that independent candidates may give them a stronger path in red states. Critics of the approach warn that bypassing Democratic nominees risks weakening the party’s brand over time and raising questions about the ethics and transparency of the tactic.

The AP also said that several independent candidates have not committed to caucusing with Democrats if elected, leaving unclear how the strategy would translate if those candidates are ultimately successful. Idaho U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles, one of the independents mentioned in the report, said he would not caucus with either party if elected.

Read the full article at the Associated Press.

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