Democrats look to independents in Montana, Nebraska

Democrats seeking control of the Senate see independent candidates in Montana and Nebraska as a possible way to defeat Republicans. Their calculation centers on political identity: The Democratic label is hurting in this part of the country, while an independent can campaign without running under that label.

The approach gives Democrats another path to pursue Senate seats without relying only on candidates identified with their party. It also places unusual importance on campaigns operating outside the traditional Democratic-Republican matchup.

Where the interests overlap

Democratic interest in an independent candidate does not make that candidate a Democrat. The overlap is narrower: Democrats want to remove Republicans from Senate seats, and independent candidates can offer another vehicle for doing that.

That shared electoral interest does not establish agreement on policy, campaign strategy or party control. It also does not amount to a forecast about how voters in either state will respond.

What the strategy requires

The effort depends on independent candidates building enough support to compete with Republicans while appealing to voters who may resist the Democratic label. It also requires Democrats to decide how their own party fits into contests where an independent is viewed as the stronger alternative.

The central test will be whether independence functions as more than a ballot designation. Campaign organization, ballot access and the choices made by Democratic officials and voters will shape how the strategy develops in Montana and Nebraska.