OMAHA, Nebraska — An unexpected win for independent candidate Dan Osborn in the Nebraska Senate race would deal a blow to Republicans, but it wouldn’t necessarily be a boon for Democrats. 

Nebraska’s Senate seats have long been uncompetitive for Republicans as the last time a Democrat was elected to represent the state in the upper chamber was 2006. As a result, Republicans didn’t expect to spend much time or resources in the Cornhusker State as they focused on current vulnerable seats that are likely to flip in their favor and give them the Senate majority.