Senate Candidates in Red States Distancing Themselves from Partisan Politics
Three independent candidates for the U.S. Senate, hailing from Nebraska, Montana, and South Dakota, held a joint press conference on Monday to assert their independence from both major political parties. They firmly rejected claims suggesting that they are merely disguised Democrats, indicating they would not join either party’s caucus if they win.
South Dakota’s Brian Bengs, challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, opened the press conference with a strong statement: “Let me be absolutely clear. I stand in the position that I will not caucus with Republicans or the Democrats. I will not support Chuck Schumer or John Thune for Senate leader.” He argued that veteran politicians in Washington are primarily responsible for the current political issues and emphasized that South Dakotans deserve a senator who answers to them instead of national party influences.
Bengs continued, “As an independent senator, I won’t owe my seat to either party.” He expressed that being outside both caucuses would allow him the freedom to work with anyone, regardless of party affiliation, who is focused on achieving results for the people of South Dakota. “In the Senate, as a true independent, I can and will put South Dakota first every single time,” he added.
Montana’s Seth Bodnar, also running as an independent, made similar pledges. He stated that, if elected, he would also operate independently of party lines, emphasizing his commitment to serve only the citizens of Montana. Bodnar, a military veteran and former president of the University of Montana, explained that his military oath was to the Constitution rather than a political entity. He noted that party affiliation was irrelevant in the Army, highlighting the importance of service to all citizens.
Bodnar elaborated that an independent senator could actually hold significant sway in a closely divided Senate, saying, “nothing happens in the Senate without a majority.” He expressed his intention to collaborate with Republicans and Democrats when their policies align with Montana’s needs, but would also stand up against either party when their actions are detrimental to the state.
Nebraska’s Dan Osborn, who is up against Sen. Pete Ricketts, echoed these sentiments: “We’re not going to caucus with either party. In fact, we’ll caucus with everybody, you could say, and independent means independent.” He added that siding with a particular party would disrespect Nebraskans, asserting that he is guided by the interests of the people he aims to represent rather than any national party leaders.
“I’m not interested in going to Washington just to fight for Team Red or Team Blue,” Osborn stated. He noted that an independent could occupy a strong bargaining position in a divided Senate, reiterating, “I will not caucus with either party.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) challenged the candidates’ assertions before the press event. NRSC National Press Secretary Bernadette Breslin labeled the gathering a “Fake Independent circus,” claiming the candidates were actually Democrats who would align with leftist agendas if they secured Senate seats. Additionally, the NRSC pointed out that independents without party affiliations often lack committee assignments, citing the examples of Independent Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King, both of whom caucus with Democrats.
The candidates were also questioned about the endorsements they received from Democrats. Bodnar acknowledged the support of past Democratic senators, including John Tester and Max Baucus, along with endorsements from former Republican officials and various organizations. His campaign has reportedly raised significant funds, garnering mixed reactions and accusations of being a Democrat in disguise.
Osborn, too, has faced scrutiny for receiving backing from Democratic groups, including an endorsement from the Nebraska Democratic Party. Reports suggested that substantial financial resources from Democratic organizations were supporting his Senate bid.
The press conference took place amid ongoing controversies for Osborn, including reports of past crude remarks and a leaked audio recording that captured him making racially charged comments. He responded to the criticism, asserting the remarks were taken out of context and labeled them as “fake news.”
Bengs, who previously ran as a Democrat in 2022 and lost, maintained that he identifies as a lifelong independent. He mentioned the absence of a Democratic candidate in his current Senate race as beneficial, believing it allows him to have a clearer discussion on the issues that matter to South Dakotans.
This convergence of independent candidates in traditionally red states is part of a broader strategy by the Democratic Party to build coalitions with independents. State Democratic leaders have acknowledged that this approach is crucial for election success.
Bodnar closed the event by linking their motivations back to their military service, recalling a sentiment from his time in Iraq, where party affiliation was irrelevant during critical missions. His personal experience drives the candidates’ commitment to serve as true independents.
