OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Kansas voters aren’t exactly known for an independent streak. Not since 1932 have they elected someone other than a Republican to the U.S. Senate.

Republican Sen. Pat Roberts was looking to continue his party’s good fortunes Tuesday against a surprisingly staunch challenge from independent candidate Greg Orman.

Roberts has described his re-election campaign as crucial to Republican hopes of regaining the Senate and providing a check to the policies of Democratic President Barack Obama. He’s tried to portray Orman as a liberal Democrat.

Orman has described Roberts as part of a broken partisan system that has ground Washington to a halt. He’s vowed to bridge political divides and has emphasized his business expertise.

Orman became the main alternative to Roberts after Democratic nominee Chad Tayler dropped out in September.