(CNN) -- A surprise in Kansas Wednesday night is setting the stage for an even more interesting U.S. Senate race this fall. Democratic candidate Chad Taylor decided to drop out of the race, which means more support may go to an independent candidate against Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts. In a statement to the Wichita Eagle, Taylor said, "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." The move came hours after independent candidate Greg Orman announced support from a group of moderate Republicans.
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The Democratic candidate withdraws from the U.S. Senate race in Kansas
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That means more support could go to the independent candidate
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Republican incumbent Sen. Pat Roberts was once thought to be a shoe-in
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GOP strategists are pushing Roberts to step it up
After word spread of @placeholder's withdrawal, Orman in a statement said, "This is certainly an unexpected turn of events.