Independent Candidate Dan Osborne Hires Democratic Operatives
Dan Osborne, an independent candidate promoting a centrist agenda, has brought on board two experienced Democratic operatives to manage his campaign and a new political committee aimed at winning over conservative voters in Nebraska.
Osborne, who identifies as a “lifetime independent” on his campaign website, began his challenge against Republican Senator Pete Ricketts just months after losing to another Republican, Deb Fisher. His campaign team has launched a “certification committee” called Osborne Conservatives to bolster his efforts.
The operatives, Brandon Phillipczyk and James Wiestadt, both have significant backgrounds in Democratic politics. Phillipczyk previously served as the operations director for Hillary Clinton’s Nevada campaign in 2016, and also held a role with the Democratic National Committee until 2017.
Wiestadt has consistently supported Democratic candidates within Nebraska’s political landscape. This partnership provides insight into Osborne’s connections to the Democratic Party, despite his claims of political independence. During his previous campaign, he downplayed Democratic support, stating he wouldn’t align with either major party if elected.
Nevertheless, the National Democrats have eyed Osborne as a potential ally. The Senate Majority PAC, linked to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, contributed $3.8 million to support his campaign. Just days before the election, Schumer suggested that Osborne might associate with Democrats, a notion he quickly dismissed, asserting his true independence.
Interestingly, Osborne has also utilized ActBlue, a well-known Democratic fundraising platform, as he collects donations from various Senate campaigns. He aims to position his working-class background as a mechanic against Ricketts’ wealth, even dubbing him “Wall Street Pete” in his campaign messaging. Already, Ricketts’ campaign has started to question Osborne’s connections to out-of-state Democratic donors and the possibility of him collaborating with Democrats if he wins.
Osborne kicked off his 2023 campaign with backing from members of the American Democratic Socialists, who developed strategic plans to implement “socialism in our lives.” As the previous election cycle progressed, he set up Osborne Conservatives as a “candidate recognition committee,” contributing $230,000 for TV advertisements during the crucial final weeks of the campaign.
The Osborne campaign has not yet responded to inquiries from media outlets seeking further comment.
