Brian Boyce
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Republicans rolled through the Wabash Valley in support of candidates Monday, bringing in help from the north.
Indiana’s 4th District Congressman Todd Rokita flew into the Terre Haute International Airport, along with U.S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock. The pair and their staff met with Alan Morrison, Republican candidate for the District 42 seat in the Indiana House of Representatives. Just a day from the election, the candidates said they’re certain of GOP victories up and down the ticket.
Rokita is being challenged in his own race, but said he was confident enough in his standing to help out Mourdock and Morrison.
“Please, send me a partner,” he said, describing Mourdock as a U.S. Senator who will work well with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Rokita served eight years as Indiana’s Secretary of State before becoming a congressman. During that time, he said he got to know Mourdock, who serves as the state’s treasurer. Cooperation between the House and Senate is crucial if a budget is ever to be passed. And for 3 1/2 years, the Democratic-controlled Senate has refused to pass, or create, a budget, he said.
Mourdock said the race between him and Congressman Joe Donnelly is more than a Hoosier issue.
“Without question, this race is of national interest,” he noted, advocating the Republicans’ need to control the Senate to bring about fiscal responsibility.
Later, Rokita went door-to-door with Morrison’s team, distributing fliers throughout New Goshen. Rokita also contributed to Morrison’s campaign through his leadership political action committee, the Fund for American Exceptionalism.
“I think it’s going really well,” Morrison said of his bid for the statehouse.
Walking about the small town in Vigo County’s northern tier, the candidate said he’s knocked on more than 10,000 doors in small towns throughout the district. From Universal to Brazil, he reported finding many Democrats eager to switch sides this year because of concerns about national issues. “So I feel pretty confident.”
Rokita, who became secretary of state at 31, said the 35-year-old Morrison is a quality candidate. The state needs more young people offering a voice, and the state legislature often comes up with good ideas, he said.
“Indiana has had such a great decade,” Rokita said, pointing to many of the reforms instituted by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Keeping that momentum moving forward can help Indiana become a real leader at the national level, he said.
Brittany Solomon said she’s excited to vote today. The 20-year-old nursing student was home to answer the door as Morrison and Rokita asked for her support. This will be her second election, she said, and she promised to participate.
“I’ve never really gone for either side,” she said of party affiliation, explaining her choice is based on the individual candidate.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
