Republican Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock says he doesn’t think the upcoming debates between him and his two opponents will get nearly as many viewers as his debate with Senator Richard Lugar in the May primary. But with the race among the closest in the state, it’s possible there could be more interest than he realizes.
Several polls in recent weeks all show Mourdock and Democratic opponent Joe Donnelly within just a few percentage points of each other in the race. Mourdock says he hopes the debates will garner enough attention to have an impact on the campaign.
“Our objective is to, quite simply, point out the contrasts between the Obama-Reid-Donnelly record, all those votes they’ve cast together, that synchronization, if you will, of who they are versus the things that I stand for.
Donnelly says he looks at the debates as a job interview.
“We have to show that we value the opportunity, that this is a big responsibility and that these are moments to talk to our friends.”
Libertarian Andrew Horning says he hopes he can reach voters and show them there’s a candidate who can change the status quo.
“I wish more people would be watching but a lot of the people who watch are just cheering on their guy and they’re not looking to get their minds changed and they will defend the indefensible.”
The U.S. Senate race in Indiana is gaining national attention and funding from various out-of-state groups and political action committees. Democrats and Republicans are eyeing it as each party seeks to have control of the Senate for the next two years.
The debates with Mourdock, Donnelly and Horning are Monday, October 15, at 7 p.m. EDT and Tuesday, October 23, at 7 p.m. EDT. You can hear both of the debates on WBAA AM920 and www.wbaa.org.
