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When Bruce Davis saw a political door slammed in his face, he opened another one. Now he’s looking at a tremendous opportunity.

The voters in N.C. Senate District 28 should help him seize it.

Davis, a county commissioner from High Point, intended to run for this seat as a Democrat. When longtime Democratic incumbent Katie Dorsett signed up to run for re-election on the first day of filing in February, however, Davis backed away. Then, in the final minutes of the last day of filing, Dorsett withdrew — letting fellow Democrat Gladys Robinson file in her place.

Understandably, Davis felt he’d been intentionally shut out. Not willing to accept that, he mounted a successful petition drive to gain a place on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate.

Now this is the one legislative contest across the state with three viable candidates — Davis, Robinson and Republican Trudy Wade. With the electorate likely to split three ways, anyone can win. Davis is the best choice.

Davis, 53, would become High Point’s first resident state senator in 20 years. He already has won the support of many High Point leaders of both parties, who have come to rely on his advocacy for High Point concerns on the Board of Commissioners. In two terms there, Davis has learned the governmental process and demonstrated hard work and good judgment. He acknowledges mistakes, but he’s been responsive and accessible, willing to listen to constituents and to change his mind if circumstances warrant.

He’s got some problems. One is a debt to the IRS on taxes owed by his child-care business. He should clear that up as quickly as possible. And, he is simultaneously running as a Democrat to keep his county seat. He made it clear that’s not his real interest, and he should have abandoned that race.

Davis’ real opportunity is not only the chance to win this race without party support. It is to serve as an independent if he is elected. In a closely divided Senate, that could make him a power broker. It also could encourage others to follow the same course, breaking the partisan paralysis that often prevents progress. Davis could become an important player in the Senate if he pursues this course.

Robinson, 60, a Pleasant Garden resident, is an excellent candidate. A member of the UNC Board of Governors and a veteran of many public service organizations, she champions the university system and progress in health care, social services and education. Under ordinary circumstances, she would merit election to this seat.

Wade, 59, a member of the Greensboro City Council, is a fiscally responsible conservative who says job creation depends on broad tax cuts. She is an effective council member, but her views would not suit most voters in this district. She could win with a plurality vote, but the greater opportunity belongs to Davis.