Indiana's US Senate race gets national attention - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

In one week, the Republican vice presidential nominee comes to Indianapolis, and he may play a role in the closest race in the state.

Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock says he wants to meet with Paul Ryan next Monday when Ryan headlines a campaign event at the JW Marriott.

Mourdock is in a tight race for the US Senate against Joe Donnelly. Andy Horning is the Libertarian candidate. While the governor's race and the presidential election are not considered close in Indiana, the US Senate race is, and it's now getting national attention. Money from outside Indiana is coming into the state because the race for the US Senate seat currently held by Richard Lugar is too close to call.

Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock got some outside help Monday.

"This seat in terms of us achieving a majority in the Senate is critical for us to achieve a majority," said Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK).

But a new Donnelly commercial reminds voters why that may be difficult.

"I certainly think bipartisanship should consist of Democrats coming to the Republican point of view," said Mourdock in a soundbite used by the Donnelly campaign. They also quote Mourdock saying, "For me the highlight of politics is to inflict my opinion on someone else."

"Mr. Mourdock's point is that any movement should not come from Republicans but from the other side," said PBS anchor Judy Woodruff in an interview with Paul Ryan.

"I don't agree with that," Ryan replied.

Ryan is scheduled to visit Indiana next week and in spite of how important this race is for Republicans, there is no arrangement ironed out to get the two together.

"I hope so. I met with Paul a number of times. Most recently we were together and I look forward to it. I hope my schedule works out to do that. I will meet with Paul Ryan anytime. I dare Joe Donnelly to meet with Joe Biden or Barack Obama," said Ryan.

Democrat Joe Donnelly was unavailable for comment Monday but State Democratic Party Chairman Dan Parker was.

"He's a Tea Party extremist that now has realized - 'oh my gosh, I am going to lose this election because I am so extreme,'" said Dan Parker, Indiana Democratic State Party chairman.

"I will work with anyone to make government more accountable. I will work with anyone to make government more efficient," Mourdock vowed Monday.

"All candidates make adjustments late in the campaign when their message is not working but this is about as shameless as I have seen," said Matt Tully, Indy Star.

A new Mourdock commercial has Lt. Governor Becky Skillman taking the high road.

"Richard is a great teammate who will work with Democrats and Republicans to grow our economy and create jobs," she says in the ad.

Asked to name any Democrat in the Senate he could envision compromising with was revealing.

"I would have to think about it. I don't have any off the top of my head," he said.

Mourdock discussed plans to repeal and replace Affordable Health Care Act. He said he's in favor of making all health care expenses tax deductible, allowing competition across state lines and enacting malpractice insurance and liability reforms.

See WTHR.com's Candidate Survey and learn more about the candidates.

See Mourdock's responses here.

See Donnelly's responses here.

See Horning's responses.