GOP Senate race intensifies as primary nears - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

With a little over two weeks to go until Election Day, the push to the polls is on in the GOP Senate primary race.

Volunteers in Sen. Richard Lugar's camp spent their Saturday working the phones, while volunteers for challenger Richard Mourdock's campaign went door-to-door.

"We're just trying to get to as many voters as we can and give that direct person-to-person contact," said Mourdock volunteer Diane Hubbard.

On the airways, Lugar is doing something he said he would never do - he's giving in to negative campaigning. Lugar campaign spokesman Andy Fisher says they are simply fighting fire with fire.

"The opponent began attacking with negative ads more than a year ago and you can't stand for that, you have to respond," said Fisher.

Mourdock campaign spokesman Chris Conner told Eyewitness News via email that Lugar was the one dishing out the dirt.

"Our campaign has focused all along on the ideological differences between the candidates on the issues. We have made the case that Richard Mourdock is the consistent conservative on issues like the Second Amendment, judicial appointments, and other issues," Conner said. "The Lugar campaign's response has been to run false negative ads attacking Richard Mourdock personally. It is unfortunate, as these type of personal attacks only give aid to the Democrats by turning off voters."

Indiana Insiders' Republican analyst Peter Rusthoven says that won't happen.

"Conservatives, even those who supported Mourdock are not going to go over and support a Democrat and they know that Lugar's voting record is extremely conservative and a choice between Lugar and Donnelly, that's no choice at all," said Rusthoven.

Eyewitness News contacted the Indiana Republican Party to get their thoughts on how each candidate is running their campaign. Spokesman Pete Seat said they don't get involved in primaries.

"No matter the outcome, we are prepared to win the general (election). Joe Donnelly is running with the anchor of Obama's failed agenda, including Obamacare and the stimulus, on his record," said Seat.

Lugar's campaign says with early voting numbers pointing in their favor, their focus is also on a fall victory, not on the senator's possible defeat. No one will know for certain until the people decide at the ballot box May 8.