Nebraska Democratic Senate primary winner says she’ll drop out to support independent in general election
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Cindy Burbank won the Nebraska Democratic primary for the US Senate with the intention to drop out and clear the way for independent candidate Dan Osborn, who is backed by the state Democratic party to challenge Republican Senator Pete Ricketts in November.
- Burbank defeated William Forbes, a pastor and registered Democrat viewed by Democrats as a Republican plant, who opposes abortion and has voted for Trump.
- In Nebraska’s second congressional district, a key battleground for control of the US House, Democrat John Cavanaugh is in a tight race against Denise Powell, with the district leaning Democratic and Republican incumbent Don Bacon not seeking re-election.
- Nebraska allocates electoral college votes by congressional district rather than winner-take-all, with the second district, known as the “blue dot,” often voting Democratic; Republicans have unsuccessfully tried to change this system.
- If Cavanaugh wins, Republican Governor Jim Pillen could appoint a replacement, potentially allowing Republicans to challenge the district’s Democratic leanings, though it is uncertain if such an effort will be pursued.