Lugar-Mentum: 5 Days to Victory

Dick Lugar speaks with Muncie area farmers to discuss issues facing the Indiana agriculture industry. Lugar manages his family’s 604 acre corn, soy bean and tree farm in southwest Marion County.

Poll: Lugar 44, Mourdock 42

The Weekly Standard

May 2, 2012

National Journal reports on a new poll that shows incumbent Indiana senator Dick Lugar leading his primary rival, state treasurer Richard Mourdock, 44 percent to 42 percent.

Don’t be pressured to vote Mourdock

by Chuck Ford

President, Tea Party of Hamilton County

Indianapolis Star

May 2, 2012

As a former high school coach I like winners. Mourdock has run for public office 11 times over 20 years winning only three times. He was twice rejected for a congressional seat by those in his own district who know him best.

I am one tea party person who will vote for a successful respected senior senator, Dick Lugar.

Lugar has fought for fiscal sanity, values

Lafayette Journal & Courier

by May Jo Minier

May 2, 2012

I was delighted, but not surprised that gospel-patriotic singer Pat Boone is encouraging fellow conservatives to support Sen. Dick Lugar – a champion of fiscal sanity and Hoosier values in Washington, D.C.

During a visit to Muncie-area farm,

Sen. Lugar speaks about ethanol and exports

Muncie Star Press

May 2, 2012

Lugar says he hasn’t heard challenger Richard Mourdock mention agriculture at all during the campaign, except when he “somehow or other came out against ethanol” during a recent debate.

“I can’t believe it,” Lugar said, laughing. “I have fought for 15 years to get these (ethanol) refineries built, to get demand for our Hoosier crop. Thirty to 40 percent of our (corn) crop goes to ethanol. Somebody who doesn’t understand that doesn’t understand Indiana agriculture. This is our bread and butter, and greater energy independence. We displaced 6 to 7 percent of imported oil that comes from ethanol grown right here in Indiana.”

Lugar assails stalemate at Air Guard Base

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

May 2, 2012

Mourdock said the U.S. military must “have people who are trained, equipped, given whatever they need to make sure they are never in a fair fight but have an unfair advantage.”

Sen. Lugar tours Air Base

Indiana’s News Center

May 1, 2012

Tuesday U.S. Senator Richard Lugar made a stop at the air base. He toured the base and says he gained a lot of information that he can use back in Washington D.C. to help in the fight to keep the jets in Fort Wayne.

“I’ve asked the officers in charge to furnish very specific figures and arguments that I can utilize with members of the armed services committee,” said U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, (R) Indiana.

Lugar Supporting Indiana Air

National Guard Base

WIBC

May 1, 2012

Indiana Senator Dick Lugar supports the Indiana Air National Guard’s position to maintain the 122nd as a fighter wing.

Lugar visited the base Tuesday morning to voice his opposition to the Obama administration’s plan for air base realignment.

DC Group Backs Candidate Who Took Illegal Tax Deductions and Would Raise Taxes

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24, 2012) – Friends of Dick Lugar campaign spokesperson Andy Fisher today released the following statement regarding the latest endorsement of Richard Mourdock by a group based in Washington, D.C. that has zero responsibility for job creation or economic development in Indiana:

“While Richard Mourdock said he could back raising taxes on Hoosier families and then took his own illegal tax deductions, Senator Lugar has a proven record of fighting for lower taxes and less spending.  Hoosiers don’t want their senators beholden to DC special interests and that’s why Richard Mourdock’s hometown paper called on candidates of both political parties not to sign pledges.  Senator Dick Lugar is proud to be endorsed by Indiana’s leading job creators – a striking contrast to Mourdock’s support from DC interest groups that bear zero responsibility for job creation or economic development in Indiana.”

ATR’s Support for Lugar Legislative Initiatives

In November, ATR urged support for Senator Lugar’s legislation to allow businesses to expense rather than depreciate capital investments for an additional year.  Less than one month ago, the group praised Senator Lugar for advancing legislation that would repeal the federal sugar program – a critical issue for Indiana jobs.

Hoosiers Don’t Want Their Senators Beholden to DC Groups: Mourdock’s Hometown Paper Weighs In

Senator Lugar’s decision to stand on his strong record of fiscal conservatism and to not sign a DC interest group’s pledge is backed by the people of Indiana.  Last year, Mourdock’s hometown newspaper – the Evansville Courier & Press – wrote an editorial concluding that “the Republican and Democratic caucuses should instruct their members and candidates to not sign pledges.”

Senator Lugar Has a Strong Fiscally Conservative Record

In addition to supporting the Ryan Budget, Senator Lugar was among the first Senators introducing a jobs plan focused on creating jobs through real tax reform, controlling federal spending and regulation, encouraging domestic sources of energy, and promoting exports of American products.  “This is a plan that would work. It unleashes the private sector to create jobs and flourish. The elements of this plan should be on the Senate agenda instead of the failed policies of more regulation, more taxes and more federal spending that the Senate rejected on Tuesday,” Lugar said.  The Republican bill includes many elements that Lugar has long championed, including: tax reform; increasing exports; repealing ObamaCare; repealing the financial takeover; malpractice and tort reform; rolling back and repealing regulatory overreach; and increasing domestic energy production

Richard Mourdock Has Been Open to Raising Taxes

“Mourdock said he could back a tax hike if Congress coupled it with a line-item veto for presidents starting after the next election in 1992 to help keep a lid on spending.” (“Mourdock not supporting Bush tax increase,” Bloomington Herald-Times, 7/12/90)

Mourdock’s Illegal Second Homestead Tax Deduction

Like every Indiana homeowner, Richard Mourdock is entitled to one, and only one, homestead tax deduction.  But Mourdock took two and he did so for three years.  He says he didn’t notice he was cheating, but Mourdock studied his tax statement closely enough to appeal his assessed value – yet didn’t notice he was getting a $45,000 deduction on the next line of his bill.  Like other Indiana property owners, Mourdock received multiple ‘pink forms’ stating that reporting his homestead deduction was his responsibility.  According to the state’s Homestead Verification Fact Sheet, “homestead fraud occurs when an individual or married couple receive the benefit of more than one homestead deduction or claim the deduction on property that is not their primary residence.”

Real Jobs and Real Hoosiers for Lugar

Compare the endorsements in the U.S. Senate race based on the economic interests (or lack thereof) groups represent in the Hoosier State:

Bottom Line: Hoosiers want jobs here in Indiana and want our companies to succeed.  Those who are on the front-line creating private sector jobs everyday have stated that Dick Lugar has the right vision for Indiana.

Dick Lugar’s “focus on helping grow Indiana businesses and putting Hoosiers back to work is exactly what we need in Washington.” – Kevin Brinegar, President of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Dick Lugar is “a proven leader with a  proven record who we need fighting for Hoosiers in Washington, D.C.” – Pat Kiely, President of the Indiana Manufacturers Association

“We’re endorsing Senator Lugar because of his proven record and ability to get things done in support of Indiana job creation and economic growth.” – U.S. Chamber Vice President Rob Engstrom

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INDIANAPOLS (May 1, 2012) – For years, John and Courtney Cowley struggled to bring their young son Lincoln home to Indiana. Today, they credit U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar for uniting their family.

“If it wasn’t for Senator Lugar, he wouldn’t be here,” says John Cowley in a new online video out today. “He (Lugar) cares more about his constituents than all of the other people we contacted.” (View the video here.)

Lugar: I’m always praying for you

“Senator Lugar was there with us for three-and-a-half years and we won,” says Cowley. “Last year at his Lugar Run, I went up to the senator. He said, ‘Hello Mr. Cowley.’ I can’t believe the senator knows me without me even introducing myself. He said I’ll be praying for you guys. I’m always praying for you guys to get your little boy home.”

Lugar corresponded repeatedly with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and convened meetings with Senate colleagues, the Cowley say.

Not a special interest, a mother’s plea

“I may not be a big special interest group, but he listened to a mother’s plea. He made sure my son came home,” says Courtney. “We can never repay him. We can never repay him.”

To view the Cowleys’ heartfelt testimonial about Lugar’s work to unite their family, go to www.DickLugar.com/videos.

National Defense PAC Blasts Mourdock for Opposing Flag   Burning Amendment

“Hoosiers should know Dick Lugar voted to defend our flag while Richard Mourdock would defend someone’s right to burn it”

The National Defense PAC today blasted Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock for his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning flag burning and urged Hoosiers to support Senator Dick Lugar in the upcoming primary election.

“The flag is a symbol of our democracy and millions of Americans have sacrificed their lives to defend it,” NATIONAL DEFENSE PAC Chairman, Rear Admiral [Ret.] James J. Carey said.  “Flag burning is obscene, painful and unpatriotic.  We are shocked to learn that Richard Mourdock opposed a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, which he believed to be a form of freedom of speech.  Burning an American flag is conduct – not speech.  Hoosiers should know that Dick Lugar voted to defend our flag while Richard Mourdock would defend someone’s right to burn it.”

On June 22, 1990, the Bloomington Herald-Times reported on Mourdock’s opposition to the flag burning amendment.  “I tend to think I would probably be opposed to it,” Mourdock said.  ”How can we enforce freedom of speech and say we have freedom of speech except in one area?  I have a really hard time with that.”

Over his career, Senator Lugar cosponsored proposed constitutional amendments to prohibit flag burning nine times.  In 2006, Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh both voted for S.J.Res. 12, a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning (Roll Call 189).  In 1999, Senator Lugar and Senator Bayh both voted for S.J.Res. 14 (Roll Call 48).  In 1990, Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Dan Coats both voted for S.J.Res. 332 (Roll Call 128).  In 1989, both Senator Lugar and Indiana Senator Coats voted for S.J.Res. 180 (Roll Call 251).

Senator Lugar served as a U.S. Navy Intelligence Briefer for Chief of Naval Operations (Under Admiral Arleigh Burke) 1957 to 1960.  He has been a voice for consistent leadership in support of our military and national defense.

The National Defense Political Action Committee is dedicated to electing Military Veterans to the U.S. Congress who share our traditional American values of a Constitutionally limited, fiscally responsible government, ensuring a strong national defense, protecting the rights and interests of our Servicemembers, and fulfilling our historic commitment to our Veterans.

Nappanee Mayor Endorses Lugar Larry Thompson, mayor of Nappanee, is the 46th Republican mayor, town board president and former mayor to endorse Sen. Dick Lugar’s 2012 re-election. Thompson and his wife Linda were on-hand to welcome Lugar to a weekend fundraiser in Elkhart County.

NAPPANEE, IND. (April 30, 2012) – “We are fortunate to have Dick Lugar in the U.S. Senate cutting spending, fighting Obamacare, championing jobs and protecting Hoosier values,” Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson said today. “Senator Lugar has a distinguished record of accomplishment on behalf of Indiana and America. We should keep him.”

Thompson is the 46th Republican mayor, former mayor and town board president to endorse Lugar’s re-election.

“Senator Lugar and I have both been on local schools boards and mayors of two great cities,” Thompson said. “I know Dick Lugar will continue to work for all of us in Indiana. I encourage fellow Hoosiers – especially those in Elkhart County – to join me in supporting Senator Lugar.”

Republican mayors and town board presidents endorsing Lugar include: Ron Arnold, Elwood; Greg Ballard, Indianapolis; Todd Barton, Crawfordsville; Jim Brainard, Carmel; James Butler, Goodland; Bryan Conklin, Union City; Andy Cook, Westfield; Jon Costas, Valparaiso; Bradley Crain, Covington; Steven Croyle, Winchester; Phil R. Deckard, Martinsville; John Dennis, West Lafayette; John Ditslear, Noblesville; Scott Faultless, Fishers; William Graham, Scottsburg; Donnie Hastings, Aurora; Harold “Huck” Lewis, Lebanon; Chris McBarnes, Frankfort; Terry McDonald, New Haven; Blair Milo, LaPorte; Richard Pasco, Greenfield; Mike Pavey, Rushville; Wayne Seybold, Marion; Robert Shepard, Attica; Mark Smiley, Rochester; Kevin Smith, Anderson; Larry Thompson, Nappanee; Leonard Urban, Connersville; James Walker, Peru; David Wood, Mishawaka; Don Havens, Tipton; and Jack Woods, Alexandria.

GOP former mayors supporting Lugar are: Herbert Arihood, Rensselaer; Robert C. Beutter, Mishawaka; Terry Dilk, Beech Grove; Scott Furgeson, Shelbyville; Dottie Hancock, Carmel; Bruce Hosier, Portland; William H. Hudnut, Indianapolis; Al Huntington, Madison; John McCane, Rushville; Robert Stewart, Columbus; Rob Thoman, Southport; Jason Thompson, Monticello; Steve Goldsmith, Indianapolis; and Ernest Wiggins, Warsaw.

Citizens United Attack Ad Exposes Mourdock’s Record

Citizens United today launched a negative, deceptive ad attacking Senator Lugar.  But if you didn’t know who the ad was attacking, you’d almost be certain it was talking about Richard Mourdock.  Take a look at what happens when we insert Mourdock’s name into Citizens United’s ad copy:

[Richard Mourdock's] Economic Record A Disaster

“There are more serious examples of Mourdock’s malfeasance in office than missing board meetings.  For example, as State Treasurer, Mourdock invested $1 billion of Toll Road money in junk bonds, a risky move soundly criticized by the non-partisan Government Investment Officers Association-a taxpayer watchdog group.  And, Mourdock should be held accountable for the state’s recently exposed half a billion dollar accounting errors, though Lugar may feel reluctant to raise the issue since Daniels is also to blame.” (Howey Politics Indiana, 4/23/12)

But what [Mourdock] did with our money, even worse

In 2008, Mourdock invested $616 million of State Toll Road money in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Securities and $277 million in Junk Bonds.  This amount represented 22% of a public trust, which was set up after Indiana privatized its major toll road.  Mourdock’s investments jeopardized the future of generations of Indiana citizens.  (Indianapolis Star 10/15/08)

[Moudock] was reckless, he bailed out wall street

“Mourdock Said He Knows Of No Good Alternative To A Potential $500 Billion Federal S&L Bailout, Because If Failing S&L’s Were Required To Sell Off All The Troubled Properties They Own At Once, The Dumpoff Would Have A Catastrophic Impact On Property Prices Across The Nation.” (“Mourdock not supporting Bush tax increase,” Bloomington Herald-Times, 7/12/90)

Voted for…earmarks

In 1995, Mourdock approved spending $75,000 of taxpayer money on a “new bumper-boat attraction.”  According to the Evansville Courier & Press, the “new aquatic attraction at the county-owned park” called for the installation of “bumper boats, similar to bumper cars at an amusement park,” in a new “60-by-80-foot above-ground pool.”  (“Food Tax Extension Endorsed Commissioners Want Funds For Auditorium,” Evansville Courier & Press, 1/18/95)

Raised the debt ceiling

When asked why he proposed spending taxpayer money on an unaffordable plan to provide free college to millions of Americans, Mourdock’s excuse was that the national debt at the time was only $4 trillion.

Reckless with our money

In 2008, Mourdock purchased highly distressed below investment grade junk bonds in Chrysler for Indiana State Pension Funds at a 53% discount – just two months before the company declared bankruptcy.  When asked under oath, his rational was that the “security was seen through a little bit of a squinty eye of the market” even though “there was a higher level of risk there.” (TARP Oversight hearing, 7/27/09)  Millions were lost in the investment.

A big spender we can’t afford

On March 4, 1992, the Evansville Courier & Press reported: “The Republican 8th District congressional candidate has proposed a free year of college for students who graduate from high school with at least a B average…He proposed the free year of college, funded by the government, as a way to put motivation back into the nation’s educational system.”

Don’t worry, Mourdock was willing to raise taxes to afford big government spending.  “Mourdock said he could back a tax hike if Congress coupled it with a line-item veto for presidents starting after the next election in 1992 to help keep a lid on spending.” (“Mourdock not supporting Bush tax increase,” Bloomington Herald-Times, 7/12/90)

Richard Mourdock – Hoosiers deserve the truth about his record.