New MUCK YOU! Brian Bengs for US Senate (SD) Week with Nathan Daschle
Independent, not impossible: Nathan Daschle on the Bengs' path, and other candidates he thinks can win in 2026. A+ episode.
Our Brian Bengs for US Senate (SD) Week series continues with Nathan Daschle, one of South Dakota’s most experienced political voices and someone who understands the state, the Senate map, and the difference between wishful thinking and a real opening.
Nathan did not come on MUCK YOU! to summarize the obvious. He came on to talk about the actual path and his incredible career.
Brian Bengs is running as an independent against Mike Rounds, and that matters. In South Dakota, the Democratic label carries weight that can bury even a strong candidate before voters hear the message. Bengs has a cleaner lane: veteran, lawyer, former professor, independent, and fed up with Washington.
That is the heart of the race. Bengs does not need to persuade South Dakota to become blue. He needs to give voters permission to fire Mike Rounds without feeling like they are joining a national Democratic project.
The Nebraska example matters here. Democrats there appear to be making room for independent Dan Osborn rather than splitting the anti-incumbent vote. South Dakota should look hard at that model.
That is why this race deserves attention now. If the non-Republican vote is split, Mike Rounds benefits. If the race becomes Bengs versus Rounds, South Dakota gets a real contest.
Listen to the full episode below, or find MUCK YOU! on your favorite podcast network.
And please donate to Brian Bengs at: voteroi.com/bb