Democrat Chad Taylor has not given a reason why he pulled out of the US Senate race against Kansas incumbent Republican Pat Roberts. But there is speculation in the national press that Democrats convinced the Shawnee County District Attorney to pull out and support an independent candidate who has been a member of both parties.

In a blog at the Washington Post, unnamed Democrats say Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo) spoke with Taylor about dropping out of the race in order to consolidate support behind independent candidate Greg Orman.

In a statement, Orman said “This is certainly an unexpected turn of events. Chad Taylor is a committed public servant. He ran an honorable campaign and worked hard, and I wish him and his family well.”

There has been national speculation that Senator Roberts would be more beatable in a one-on-one race. As you might expect, there’s been a lot of finger pointing from the GOP and Roberts’ campaign accusing Democrats of meddling.

Meanwhile, it is up to Kansas Democrats to decide how, or if, they will replace Taylor on the November ballot.