NE-SEN: In Nebraska, independent Senate candidate gives GOP a competitive race
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) defeated her Democratic opponent for reelection by double digits six years ago in a race that drew virtually no national attention.
This year’s campaign is proving far more competitive — even without a Democrat on the ballot. Dan Osborn, an independent candidate with a populist appeal, has attracted millions of dollars in outside support and forced national Republicans to pay attention — and invest money in the race — as they fight for the Senate majority.
“People are just thirsty for a change, on both sides of the aisle,” Osborn, an Omaha union leader, said in an interview. “People are just sick of it — they’re sick of the division, they’re sick of politicians doing corporate bidding.”
Fischer is taking Osborn seriously after mostly ignoring him. About three weeks ago, she rolled out the endorsement of former president Donald Trump, who attacked Osborn as a “Bernie Sanders Democrat” — a reference to the independent senator from Vermont who caucuses with Democrats — and her campaign launched a TV ad labeling Osborn a “Trojan horse” for Democrats.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/10/04/deb-fischer-dan-osborn-independent-nebraska/