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Why some Dems back independent candidates for Senate
October 28, 2026·15m
The Democratic Party's image in places like Montana and Nebraska isn't great. So, in Nebraska, the state's Democratic Party opted not to run a candidate in the U.S. Senate race, and is backing an independent. In Montana, some Democrats see their party's candidate for Senate as a spoiler, preventing an independent candidate from winning. We look at both races, and what could happen next. This episode: senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt, and congressional reporter Sam Gringlas. This podcast was produced and edited by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one.