‘Disappear the Democrat’ Backfires in Montana
The party has been backing independent Senate candidates in red states. But Montana is not working as planned.
TL;DR
- Alani Bankhead, the Democratic nominee for Montana's U.S. Senate seat, is refusing to leave the ballot despite significant pressure from state and national Democrats.
- The party's strategy of backing independent candidates in red states has failed in Montana, where Bankhead is expected to split the non-Republican vote with independent Seth Bodnar.
- State Democrats have explored legal options to replace Bankhead or leave the ballot line empty if she withdraws, but Bankhead remains resolute.
- National Democrats have been accused of orchestrating a 'disappear the Democrat' strategy, which has seen success in other states but is facing strong resistance in Montana.
- Recent polling indicates that Bankhead and Bodnar are splitting the non-Republican vote, giving Republican candidate Kurt Alme a significant lead.