Senate campaigns pick up steam in final week - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Senator Richard Lugar is fighting for his political future, while Tea Party organizations are confident challenger Richard Mourdock will upset the six-term senator.

The campaigns for the candidates in the May 8 Republican primary are busy in the final week before the election.

"I'm calling 'cause the election is only seven days away and I am wondering if Senator Lugar can count on your vote?" asked one campaign worker.

If the answer is yes, a bell is rung.

"We are confident. We feel very strongly about the get out the vote effort we have," said Andy Fisher.

The Lugar campaign has five phone banks across the state operating at a fever pitch. It's a sharp contrast to the situation portrayed in much of the national press that refers to tactical errors and lack of message.

Roll Call Tuesday pointed out his biggest foible, saying, "If Lugar's campaign provides one lesson for his Congressional colleagues, it should be this: Always keep a current address at home."

"If you are an incumbent, it's a tough time out there. All the energy is focused against him. There are not a lot of races like this around the country, so the Super PACs can put their money in here. In this state, there is not a whole lot going on, so this race has gotten all the attention. If you are mad at Washington, he is the symbol of who you can take it out on," said Indianapolis Star political columnist Matt Tully.

On Monday, Greg Fettig of the Indiana Tea Party said there was no doubt Richard Mourdock was going to pull the upset.

"Richard Mourdock will win, undoubtedly," Fettig said.

Mourdock is also touting his ground game.

"We are well-positioned to win this race. We have run a good campaign and I am looking forward to May 8th," he said.

"In a primary, it is very difficult to get accurate polling sometimes and it is very difficult if you are trying to analyze this from hundreds of miles away," said Fisher.

In the last week, however, it is all about turning out the vote May 8, when voters will decide for whom the bell tolls.