Independent Senate hopeful Dan Osborn touts himself as a “lifelong Independent.” But trenches behind his campaign reveal a different truth: the Conservatives for Osborn operation runs on longtime Democratic Party insiders.
Osborn launched his reelection bid in Nebraska aiming to unseat Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, aided by an “authorized committee” misleadingly named Conservatives for Osborn. Yet according to filings, both treasurers—Brandon Philipczyk and James Vihstadt—bring deep Democratic roots. Philipczyk served as director of operations for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and worked at the Democratic National Committee. Vihstadt is a Nebraska Democratic Party delegate and lifelong donor to Democratic campaigns.
Conservatives for Osborn may say one thing, but the staffing tells another story.
“This is the latest example of Osborn having deep Democratic ties while claiming to eschew both political parties,” critics warn. During his last race, Osborn insisted, “I’m a true Independent… I do not plan to caucus with either party,” a stance he repeated to distance himself from Senate Majority PAC’s $3.8 million backer, Chuck Schumer.
Behind the scenes, however, Osborn maintains cozy ties with Schumer’s machinery. His campaign funneled $230,000 into Conservatives for Osborn to fund TV ads, despite tight Nebraska GOP control. The committee reactivated in April but reports no expenditures or donations yet.
