Democratic Party encourages independent candidates over its own nominees in red state races
Democratic officials in red states like Nebraska, Idaho, and Alaska are backing independent candidates instead of their own party nominees, believing independents can outperform the Democratic label. The Democratic National Committee and allied groups are quietly supporting this strategy, with examples including Nebraska Democrats nominating Cindy Burbank who plans to drop out to clear the field for independent Dan Osborn in the Senate race.
Lightly covered so far
Too few outlets to map a left-right split. Here is each take as it stands.
“Democrats test a new red state strategy: Back independents over their own nominees”
“Democrats test a new red state strategy: Back independents over their own nominees”
“Beware Democrats' sneaky 'independent-in-name-only' midterm gambit”