Independent Candidate Shakes Up Nebraska Senate Race

The Nebraska Senate race has emerged as a closely watched contest, with an independent candidate challenging the incumbent Republican senator. Dan Osborn, a mechanic and union leader, is running against Sen. Debbie Fischer, and his campaign has prompted political analysts to shift their ratings of the race, indicating heightened competition.

A Surprising Shift in the Political Landscape

Shifting Ratings and Increased Competition

Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics have recently moved the Nebraska Senate race from "Solid" or "Safe" Republican to "Likely Republican." This places the race alongside that of Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in their respective rating systems. The change in ratings suggests that the race has become more competitive, with Osborn posing a credible challenge to the incumbent senator.

Controversial Backing for the Independent Candidate

Osborn's campaign is being supported by two outside PACs, Retire Career Politicians and the Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety. These groups have drawn scrutiny for their controversial monetary backers. The Retire Career Politicians PAC received $800,000 from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a left-wing dark money group that has received significant funding from billionaire George Soros' Open Society Foundations. Additionally, the Nebraska Railroaders for Public Safety PAC received $50,000 from the Sixteen Thirty Fund and $50,000 from Democrat megadonor Reid Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn.

Debbie Fischer's Response and Criticism

Sen. Debbie Fischer has expressed concern over the influx of dark money supporting Osborn's campaign. She has stated that Nebraskans will be "really, really interested in learning more about the dark money that is spending millions of dollars his way." The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has also criticized Osborn, labeling him a "true radical" who supports policies that are not in line with Nebraska values, such as amnesty for illegal immigrants and providing Social Security benefits to undocumented individuals.

Osborn's Independent Stance and Past Affiliations

Osborn has made his non-affiliation with a political party central to his campaign, presenting himself as an independent candidate. However, this claim has been challenged by reports suggesting that Osborn was once a Democrat and did not consider himself an independent until 2016. Osborn has disputed this, claiming that he was misquoted and that he was referring to how traditionally, people in labor are Democrats.

The Significance of the Nebraska Senate Race

The Nebraska Senate race has emerged as a closely watched contest, with the independent candidate's campaign drawing significant attention and resources from outside groups. The shifting ratings and the controversy surrounding Osborn's backers have added to the intrigue of this race, which could have broader implications for the political landscape in the state and beyond.