By Basant El-Faramawy
Both major US parties are quietly backing little-known third-party candidates in several battleground states to siphon votes from opponents, a tactic that could prove decisive in close midterm elections.
Alaska: Name confusion tactic
In Alaska, Democratic operatives recruited Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, to run against Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan, hoping voter confusion over the shared name will hurt the incumbent.
Ohio: Socialist candidate backed by Republicans
Republicans have spent more than $2.2 million promoting a socialist candidate in Ohio's Senate race, aiming to draw votes away from Democratic nominee Sherrod Brown, a former senator.
Virginia: Independent candidate highlighted by GOP mailers
In a competitive Virginia House race, a Republican group has distributed mailers emphasizing the Democratic-leaning positions of independent candidate Matt Baker, a self-described "radical centrist."
Nebraska: Both parties jockey for minor candidates
In Nebraska, both parties are maneuvering to help minor candidates peel votes from Republican Senator Pete Ricketts and his Democratic-backed independent challenger, Dan Osborn.
With modern elections often decided by razor-thin margins and billions of dollars in play, both parties have strong incentives to exploit third-party candidacies for marginal advantages.
