Democrats pick Nebraska Senate nominee who could drop out and back independent Dan Osborn
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Cindy Burbank won the Nebraska Democratic Senate primary, defeating William Forbes, and may clear the way for independent Dan Osborn to face GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts in the fall election.
- Republicans have accused Osborn, a steamfitter and former union organizer, of being a Democrat despite his independent status, citing his past praise of Sen. Bernie Sanders.
- Burbank has indicated she might drop out to avoid splitting the anti-Ricketts vote if her chances of winning are slim, though she denies entering the race with that intention.
- The Nebraska Democratic Party initially chose not to field a candidate, hoping for a direct Osborn-Ricketts contest, and accused Forbes of being a Republican plant to siphon votes from Osborn.
- Burbank entered the race amid concerns of Republican interference but has expressed respect for Osborn and acknowledges the possibility of supporting him to improve the chances of defeating Ricketts.