Republicans are looking to avoid a disaster in Nebraska's Senate race amid signs that an independent candidate may try to run Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
Dan Osborn, an independent Senate candidate and political newcomer, is betting that Nebraskans want an independent senator, a state that former President Trump won by nearly 20 points in 2020. is vying for the seat.
Even though Nebraska's political leanings are firmly red, the dynamics of the race have changed in recent weeks. Republican groups have started spending on the race, and last week nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report shifted the race away from Fisher.
“As a pragmatist and a pragmatist, generally speaking in political circles, if you're not worried, or at least not interested in making sure you defend your seat,” Cornhusker state consultant Brent Comstock said. I don't spend money.'' Working with the Democratic Party.
“He recognizes that, one, political parties are challenging, and two, people want to elect someone who will stand up for their rights, not a party boss.” “We're appealing to moderate Nebraskans,” he added, clearly referring to the Republican Party. Registration edge of state.
Osborn, whose career as a steamfitter led a massive strike against Kellogg Co. in Omaha in 2021, is starting to gain momentum in the Nebraska Senate race.
Outside groups, the Retired Career Politicians PAC and the Nebraska Railroad Public Safety Commission, have poured money into the race to support Osborn, including at least $3.2 million from the Retired Career Politicians PAC alone. are. According to AdImpact. Both groups receive large donations from the liberal-leaning underground finance group Sixteen Thirty Fund.
Osbourne himself was also broadcast. One of his campaign ads shows him next to the actor playing Fisher, who wears a NASCAR-like jacket with patches to indicate the interests of the companies that financed her. .
“The United States Senate is a country club full of billionaires, controlled by billionaires,” Osborne told The Hill in a statement. “Nebraskas know that change is needed. That's why I'm not a member of either party, and that's why I won't accept a dime of corporate PAC money, because I'm not a party boss or Because they refuse to be controlled by special interest groups.
“Instead, we are uniting Democrats, Republicans, and independents to bring workers to Washington who will finally stand up for ordinary people.”
Despite the fact that there are very few independent polls in the Senate race, says Jessica Taylor of Cook Political Report. It was pointed out last week An internal poll released by Osborne's campaign showed independents leading Fisher by one point.
Still, she said, “I remain very skeptical about Mr. Osborne's path to 50%.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of the Senate Republicans, and the conservative super PAC Heartland Resurgence have also begun pouring money into their own pockets, painting Osborne as a “Democrat in disguise” and aligning himself with progressive Sen. Bernie. It's tied together. Sanders (I-Vermont).
“The NRSC's top priority is to ensure that all sitting senators are re-elected. Dan Osborne has no chance of winning this race as he is embroiled in one scandal after another,” the NRSC said in a statement. Spokesperson Philip Letso told The Hill in a statement. He also pointed to Osborne's praise for Sanders and referenced a New York Post article in which Osborne said: Fishers employees and campaign staff were reportedly called. Among other things, it contained details such as “a group of frat boys from the Hitler Youth.”
In a statement to the Post, Osborne acknowledged that Fisher's comments about his team were “harsh” and said he wished he could retract them. “I served in the Navy, and I still sometimes say things like, “I served in the Navy. [a] I’m a sailor,” he told this newspaper. “I'm not a career politician. I'm a regular guy and I talk like a regular guy.”
In a statement to The Hill, Osbourne's campaign said: “Deb Fischer and her donors have been coming after me with ridiculous lies because I have made it clear that I will not bow to party leaders or special interests. ” he said. “Nebraskas see this right. That's why the polls have us ahead in this race and we'll win in November.”
The Osborne campaign also said the candidate “gathered tremendous support across the political spectrum” during the 2021 Kellogg strike, citing, for example, a letter from then-Governor Osborne. Pete Ricketts (R) urges Kellogg to return to the negotiating table.
Republican media strategist Ryan Horn said Mr. Osborn's advertising campaign was more effective than Mr. Fisher's, but said independents faced tough expectations in the statewide Senate race. .
“I look at these two ad campaigns and think if they were running for Nebraska 2 or Omaha mayor, she would have a tough fight, but she doesn't,” Horn said. . The state's 2nd Congressional District is a hotly contested race between both parties.
“You work throughout the state, right?” Horn said. “And the rest of her ad campaign is, 'I'm endorsed by Donald Trump and I'm a Republican.'”
Mr. Osborne will certainly have to defy political gravity in Republican-leaning terrain. Independents have also historically struggled to gain support in Senate races in recent years, with the most recent example coming in Utah in 2022, when independent Evan Marin ran for Senate seat Mike Lee. He lost to Congressman (Republican).
“Senator Fischer campaigned diligently for two years and earned the support of 93 bipartisan committee chairs, dozens of labor and trade associations, and more than 1,000 community leaders across the state,” the Fischer campaign said. told The Hill in a statement. “She is grateful for the support of the people of Nebraska and her friends and colleagues in the Senate, all of whom are well aware of what is at stake.” Another Kamala Harris supporter in the Senate puts the filibuster at greater risk and endangers American prosperity and security.”
Other Republicans also doubt Mr. Fisher is politically dangerous, suggesting that the spending funneled into the state may be earning respect from Republicans in return.
“I think it reflects the fact that there's a lot more to know about Dan Osborne than what's on the record,” said the former Republican National Committeeman from Nebraska and Fisher campaign alumnus and re-election campaigner. said J.L. Spray, who was not involved.
“Mr. Osborne has not gone through any traditional nomination process. He is completely unknown to voters, and his introductory articles are not just reactions, but offensive, requiring an introduction about him. It started with an article.”
Still, Democrats believe there is reason for optimism. Nebraska Sen. Carol Blood (D), who represents a Republican-leaning district and is running for Congress against Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.), believes she may be a “unicorn.'' No, but a line that acknowledges that politics can sometimes transcend party lines.
“The important thing is that from all parties, from different parties, we agree most of the time, we may not always agree, but we have a lot more in common than we disagree. ” said Brad.
