The Democratic nominee in Kansas has dropped out of the race for United States Senate, and there are several analysts who believe that this may actually end up helping Democrats:
The race for U.S. Senate in Kansas no longer has a Democrat in it.
In a stunning development, candidate Chad Taylor asked Wednesday that his name be removed from the ballot, paving the way for independent candidate Greg Orman to face U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts head-on in November.
After much consideration and prolonged discussion with my supporters, my staff, and party leadership at every level, I have decided to end my campaign for the United States Senate, Taylor said in an exclusive statement to The Eagle.
I have great love for the state of Kansas and the people that live here. I will continue work in their best interest every day, but effective today, my campaign is terminated, said Taylor, the district attorney for Shawnee County.
Taylor would not talk further about why he was dropping out, and Kansas Democratic Party chairwoman Joan Wagnon offered few clues as to the reasons behind his decision.
Were still assessing to see what this means, she said Wednesday evening. What I really want to see is Pat Roberts vanished from the Capitol.
Leroy Towns, Roberts campaign manager, called Orman a closet Democrat and said Roberts would prevail by running on his record.
Ormans candidacy, buoyed by television commercials and social media, has received national attention. Although he trailed both major party candidates in the polls, several analysts saw him as the candidate with momentum in the race. Taylors decision to quit came the same day that more than 70 former Republican lawmakers endorsed Orman.
Hes created a buzz for himself, and thats pretty impressive for an independent candidate, said Michael Smith, a professor of political science at Emporia State University.
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Democrat drops out of Kansas Senate race, which may help Democrats