The Democrat seeking to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts says Democrats were given a “gift” when an independent candidate entered the Senate race in Kansas.

Democrat Chad Taylor made the comment Saturday during a luncheon address at the Kansas Democratic Party’s annual Demofest convention in Wichita.

Taylor says he expects independent challenger Greg Orman to steal more Republican votes than Democratic votes in the November election.

He says his campaign would win the Senate seat if it can keep its Democratic base and draw 8 percent of independents and moderate Republican voters in the general election.

Campaign spokesmen for Roberts and Orman did not immediately return emails seeking a response.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Davis is expected to speak at a rally and banquet later in the day.