JOHN HANNA, AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Independent challenger Greg Orman remains on a tricky path for defeating three-term Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts after a Kansas court ruling last week meant no Democrat will be on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Orman benefited when some Democrats pushed their nominee out of the race to avoid a major split in the anti-Roberts vote.

He should enjoy strong support from Democrats who believe a Roberts loss could help thwart the GOP’s push for a Senate majority.

Orman can’t get close to prominent Democrats without undercutting his attempts to run as a centrist unhappy with both parties and determined to break partisan gridlock.

Roberts is appealing to many Republicans’ visceral dislike of Democratic President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. He’s painting Orman as another liberal Democrat.