United States Senate election in Indiana (May 8, 2018 Republican primary)

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U.S. Senate, Indiana
	Democratic primary; Republican primary; General election
Election details
	Filing deadline: February 9, 2018
	Primary: May 8, 2018; General: November 6, 2018; Pre-election incumbent:; Joe Donnelly (Democrat)
How to vote
	Poll times: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Voting in Indiana
Race ratings
	Cook Political Report: Toss-up; Inside Elections: Toss-up; Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up
Ballotpedia analysis
	U.S. Senate battlegrounds; U.S. House battlegrounds; Federal and state primary competitiveness; Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2018
See also
	U.S. Senate, Indiana; U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th; Indiana elections, 2018; U.S. Congress elections, 2018; U.S. Senate elections, 2018; U.S. House elections, 2018; Arizona U.S. Senate raceCalifornia U.S. Senate raceConnecticut U.S. Senate raceDelaware U.S. Senate raceFlorida U.S. Senate raceHawaii U.S. Senate raceIndiana U.S. Senate raceMaine U.S. Senate raceMaryland U.S. Senate raceMassachusetts U.S. Senate raceMichigan U.S. Senate raceMinnesota U.S. Senate raceMinnesota U.S. Senate race (special)Mississippi U.S. Senate raceMississippi U.S. Senate race (special)Missouri U.S. Senate raceMontana U.S. Senate raceNebraska U.S. Senate raceNevada U.S. Senate raceNew Jersey U.S. Senate raceNew Mexico U.S. Senate raceNew York U.S. Senate raceNorth Dakota U.S. Senate raceOhio U.S. Senate racePennsylvania U.S. Senate raceRhode Island U.S. Senate raceTennessee U.S. Senate raceTexas U.S. Senate raceUtah U.S. Senate raceVermont U.S. Senate raceVirginia U.S. Senate raceWashington U.S. Senate raceWest Virginia U.S. Senate raceWisconsin U.S. Senate raceWyoming U.S. Senate raceSubmit

Former state Rep. Mike Braun (R) defeated U.S. Reps. Luke Messer (R-Ind.) and Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) in the Republican primary for the toss-up U.S. Senate seat in Indiana on May 8, 2018.

Washington Examiner called the race “one of the year’s most brutal, pitting two former classmates and current congressional colleagues against each other.”^[1] Added to the mix was Braun, a self-funding businessman who characterized his opponents as carbon copies and career politicians.

The three candidates accused one another of disloyalty to President Donald Trump (R) and the Republican Party, ethics violations, and state residency issues. All aligned themselves with the Trump administration and agenda.

To gain name recognition, Braun saturated the airwaves, spending more than $3 million on ad time and reservations through April 2018. Messer and Rokita followed with $1.5 million and $550,000, respectively.^[2]

Indiana voter? Here's what you need to know.
Primary election	May 8, 2018
Candidate filing deadline	February 9, 2018
Registration deadline	April 9, 2018
Absentee application deadline	April 30, 2018
General election	November 6, 2018
Voting information
Primary type	Open
Polling locations: Go to this page to find early voting locations and your assigned precinct for election day.

For more on related elections, please see:

Candidates and election results

See also: Statistics on U.S. Congress candidates, 2018

Mike Braun defeated Todd Rokita and Luke Messer in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana on May 8, 2018.

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Indiana

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Mike Braun	41.2	208,602
	Todd Rokita	30.0	151,967
	Luke Messer	28.8	146,131

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 506,700
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Top candidates

Mike Braun (R)

Braun is a former Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 63 from 2014 to 2017. He resigned his seat in the state House on November 1, 2017, in order to focus on his run for U.S. Senate.^[3] He is also the founder and CEO of Meyer Distributing, an auto parts distribution company with locations in 38 states.^[4]

"I built a successful national company here in my hometown of Jasper, and it’s time we had some Hoosier know-how in the Senate, rather than more career politicians," he said in his first statewide TV ad.^[5]

Braun said he expected a successful campaign would cost between $4 million and $6 million, in a December 2017 interview with Washington Examiner. “If I can get by with 70 percent of the campaign, if that’s all my skin in the game, that’d be as good as it could possibly be. If I have to put up to 80 percent, well that’s a possibility," he said, indicating a willingness to spend up to $5 million on his bid.^[6]

On his campaign website, protecting the Second Amendment, job creation, and healthcare were listed as platform issues.^[7]

Luke Messer (R)

Messer was first elected to represent Indiana's 6th Congressional District in 2012, where he founded the Congressional School Choice caucus. He previously served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003 to 2006.^[8]

"Hoosiers deserve a United States Senator who will look out for them 100 percent of the time ... not just talk like a Hoosier back home, then vote with the liberals in Washington. Good-paying jobs, less government and a stronger America. That’s what I’ll be fighting for,” Messer said in his announcement speech in August 2017.^[9]

Issues listed on his campaign website included anti-abortion legislation, the Second Amendment, and healthcare.^[10] Messer was endorsed by House colleague Susan Brooks (R-Ind.).

Todd Rokita (R)

Rokita served as the Indiana Secretary of State from 2003 to 2011, before serving as the U.S. representative from Indiana's 4th Congressional District. He also served as the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State from 2007 to 2008.^[11]

When announcing his candidacy, Rokita tied his campaign to the Trump administration. "President Trump and Vice President Pence have an agenda that Hoosiers, and Americans, fully support. They need more partners in the Senate willing to challenge the status quo, from both parties, and take on the failed policies of the Washington elite," he said.^[12] He was endorsed by state Sen. Mike Delph (R).

Issues listed on his campaign website included job creation, tax legislation, national security, and immigration.^[13]

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

U.S. Senate election in Indiana, Republican primary
Poll	Todd Rokita	Mike Braun	Luke Messer	Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size

GS Strategy Group for Rokita January 6-9, 2018	24.0%	9.2%	8.8%	58.0%	+/-4.4	500
Note: A "0%" finding means the question was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

U.S. Senate election in Indiana, Republican primary
Poll	Todd Rokita	Luke Messer	Others	Undecided	Margin of Error	Sample Size

GS Strategy Group for Rokita July 16-18, 2017	28%	20%	0%	51%	+/-4.4	500
GS Strategy Group for Rokita July 16-18, 2017	21%	14%	11%	55%	+/-4.4	500
Note: A "0%" finding means the question was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

U.S. Senate election in Indiana, Republican primary
Poll	Todd Rokita	Luke Messer	Curtis Hill	Mike Braun	Terry Henderson	Mark Hurt	Andrew Takaimi	Undecided	Sample Size

OnMedia for Messer July 10-12, 2017	23%	23%	4%	2%	1%	1%	1%	45%	400
Note: A "0%" finding means the question was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org

Endorsements

The table below summarizes the endorsements Ballotpedia identified for Republican candidates in the primary for U.S. Senate in Indiana.

Do you know of an official or organization that endorsed a candidate in this race? Let Ballotpedia know by email at editor@ballotpedia.org.

Republican candidate endorsements
Endorsement	Date	Braun	Messer	Rokita
Federal officials
U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.)^[14]	September 20, 2017		✔
State officials
Indiana state Rep. Heath VanNatter (R)^[15]	March 23, 2018			✔
Indiana state Rep. Hal Slager (R)^[16]	March 13, 2018			✔
Indiana state Rep. Wendy McNamara (R)^[17]	March 8, 2018		✔
Indiana state Sen. Liz Brown (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. Chris May (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. Ron Bacon (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. Bob Morris (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. John Young (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. Christopher Judy (R)^[18]	February 8, 2018	✔
Indiana state Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R)^[19]	Janury 5, 2018		✔
Indiana state Rep. Dave Heine (R)^[19]	January 5, 2018		✔
Indiana state Rep. Todd Huston (R)^[20]	December 7, 2017		✔
Indiana State Senate President Pro Tempore David Long (R)^[21]	August 10, 2017		✔
Indiana state Rep. Mike Delph (R)^[22]	August 10, 2017			✔

Campaign themes and policy stances

Campaign themes

These are the policy positions listed on the candidates' websites, if available.

Mike Braun

“

PROTECTING THE 2ND AMENDMENT

Mike is an avid Hunter, NRA member, and 100% pro-second Amendment.

CREATING JOBS FOR ALL HOOSIERS Government is not the driver of new job creation or economic prosperity. And too often it gets in the way with onerous regulations and sky-high taxes. President Trump’s work to remove burdensome red tape and lower taxes for families and businesses are a start, but now is the time to double down on empowering the private sector and job creators.

We need a tax code that is simple and fair. We must repeal Obamacare, not repair it, to rein in costs and expand healthcare options. And we must ensure that American jobs are filled by American workers, not outsourced to other countries or given to illegal immigrants.

DRAIN THE SWAMP Washington is chock full of politicians who talk a slick game, but comes up empty when it comes to getting real results. These politicians have done nothing to increase the prosperity and safety of our families and instead rigged the system to benefit the politically connected and themselves.

To make Washington work again, the swamp must be drained. Career politicians from both parties need to be replaced with citizen legislators with real world experience who will always put the interest of Hoosier families and businesses first. And we must pass term limits for politicians now.

REFORM HEALTHCARE Obamacare is an unmitigated disaster for Hoosier families and businesses. Despite the promises of Washington politicians, premiums went up, families lost their doctors, and insurance options disappeared. There is no repairing this broken law; the only option is to repeal and replace every word and regulation.

Rather than a top-down, government-run healthcare system, the Mike Braun believes in common sense alternatives that will reduce costs and increase access to care. These include allowing individuals to purchase insurance across state lines and allowing small businesses to pool together to purchase insurance at lower prices.

REDUCE GOVERNMENT SPENDING Washington’s out of control spending must be stopped. The big spending politicians from both parties are mortgaging our future. Due to their failures to get serious about budget deficits, the national debt stands at more than $20 trillion – that’s $70,000 for every American citizen!

It’s time to force the Washington politicians to get their fiscal house in order by reining in spending and balancing the budget just as every Hoosier family and business does. To ensure Congress gets this done, there should be no pay for politicians if Washington does not pass a budget.

PROTECT OUR BORDERS The single most important obligation our government has is to protect its citizens. But for decades, the Congress has failed to meet this duty by refusing to address the southern border, allowing illegal immigrants and illicit drugs to pour into our communities.

The time for inaction is over. President Trump was right. We must act immediately to secure the border by building a wall, crack down on criminal illegal immigrants and the Sanctuary Cities that protect them, end chain migration, and demand that every business verifies the immigration status of its workers to protect American workers.

STRENGTHEN OUR MILITARY From North Korea to Russia, despots and dictators are increasing instability and danger throughout the world. To combat the rising tide of uncertainty, a strong American military is needed more than ever before. Mike Braun supports making sure our troops have the tools and equipment they need to protect America’s interests abroad and defeat ISIS terrorists where they live.

THE RIGHT TO LIFE Mike Braun is a father of four grown children and many grandchildren. The right to life is deeply important to him and in the Senate Mike will support legislation that says that life begins at conception.^[23]

”

—Mike Braun for Indiana^[24]

Luke Messer

“

Pro-Life I am unapologetically pro-life because all human life has dignity and should be protected, especially the lives of the defenseless unborn. As a long-time defender of life with a 100% pro-life voting record, I have worked tirelessly to protect the unborn and ensure none of your tax dollars are ever used to carry out abortions.

Second Amendment The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by our Constitution. History has shown that gun bans don’t work. All they do is chip away at our Second Amendment rights. I am proud of my A rating from the NRA and will always fight to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens to own firearms.

Healthcare Hoosiers are tired of endless debate and zero action on Obamacare. It is not OK that the Senate has failed to act after seven years of promises. Everyday Hoosiers continue to struggle with rising costs, fewer options, and government-mandated taxes and fees. Obamacare is a tax on middle and low-income Hoosiers, plain and simple, and it must be repealed.

Immigration and Border Security We can’t continue to reward people who come to our country illegally, while those who work hard and play by the rules struggle to get ahead. It’s long past time to build a wall, secure our border, crack down on sanctuary cities, end tax credits for illegal immigrants and return to rule of law in America.

Jobs and the Economy For generations, we’ve called it the American Dream, but it’s really the American Promise. If you work hard in America, you have the chance to succeed. Unfortunately, for many Hoosiers, that promise no longer rings true. We need a renewed focus on improving opportunity for everyday working people. To do that, we need to cut taxes for hardworking Hoosiers, roll back burdensome regulations, and get our economy moving again.

Defense and National Security The federal government’s first job is to protect its citizens. To keep our country secure, we must aggressively combat radical Islamic extremism at home and abroad. That means giving our troops the resources they need to do their jobs and supporting our allies around the globe. We must put an end to dangerous across-the-board budget cuts and restore desperately needed funding for our men and women in uniform.

Taxes Americans need a tax cut and a tax code that is simpler, fairer and easier to understand. Washington bureaucrats have changed the tax code more than 5,000 times. They’ve created deductions for special interests and tax credits for illegal immigrants, yet somehow forgetting about the American worker. I’m fighting for a tax plan that will lower tax rates, nearly double the standard deduction for America’s hardworking families, and enhance the Child Tax Credit. These are exactly the changes that are needed to bring back jobs from overseas and keep the economy growing.

Debt and Budget It’s no secret our budget process is broken and the spending path we’re on is unsustainable. For generations now, Washington has wasted your hard-earned tax dollars and racked-up a massive national debt totaling more than $20 trillion. It’s time to shake up the status quo, balance our budgets, and pay down our debt. Hoosiers know we cannot keep spending money we don’t have – our children and grandchildren deserve better.

Overregulation Our economy and Hoosier taxpayers are being crushed by endless and often unnecessary federal regulations. Washington’s bureaucratic actions have tied up American business, stifled ingenuity, and raised prices on consumers. If we want to create a growing economy, we must cut back on unnecessary regulations. That’s why I’ve authored legislation to eliminate two regulations for every one new regulation proposed.

Veterans As part of our enduring commitment to our men and women in uniform, we must do all we can to support America’s veterans. That’s why I strongly supported reforms to the VA, championed legislation to restore GI Bill benefits to students affected by the closure of ITT Tech, and fought for expanded choice options so veterans can go to the doctor of their choosing. I am committed to helping the men and women who fought for our Nation by working to ensure veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve.

School Choice As a proud father of three public school children, a lifelong activist, and a public servant, I am dedicated to ensuring every child in American has access to a first-class education, regardless of their zip code. The best way to do that is by rolling back the federal education bureaucracy and returning power to parents and local educators. I’ve championed school choice policies in Indiana and at the federal level so that Hoosier parents – not Washington bureaucrats – can decide what’s best for their kids.^[23]

”

—Luke Messer for U.S. Senate^[25]

Todd Rokita

“

Jobs and President Trump's Tax Cuts Thanks to conservative tax reform and President Trump’s leadership, we passed meaningful tax reform which will result in more money in the pockets of everyday Hoosiers, and economic growth for all Americans. In order for our economy to grow, we need to have an environment where Hoosier businesses can create jobs for Hoosier workers. Washington policies like taxes, regulations and ObamaCare are making America less competitive and incentivizing jobs to leave America. Indiana farmers and manufacturers can prosper if we change the incentives and have free, fair trade deals to allow Indiana workers to provide goods and products to the world. Creating jobs and economic opportunity, and the hope that comes with the dignity of work, is also part of addressing the opioid epidemic.

Defense and National Security From ISIS to Iran to North Korea, and provocative actions from Russia and China, the world is a dangerous place. America needs to have a strong national defense that protects the American people. This is the most important responsibility of the federal government. Our soldiers need to be well-prepared to deter, and if necessary, destroy all enemies, whether they threaten us at home or abroad. We need a Navy and Air Force capable of projecting American power around the world to deter aggression. However, we should be as selective as possible before engaging on foreign ground knowing that when we do we will not be leaving for a very long time if history is any guide. At the same time, we need to make sure that American tax dollars are not being wasted, abused, or used fraudulently. Like other government agencies, the Department of Defense is not immune to these problems. Congress needs to perform aggressive oversight and auditing procedures to ensure funds are used efficiently to aid our men and women in uniform, not grow the bureaucracy. Finally, the United States must stand with our allies, especially Israel, against nations and organizations that threaten our commitment to freedom and human rights.

Immigration and Border Security President Trump and Vice President Pence are right, we must tackle the illegal immigration issue in our country. We must put an end to illegal immigration, dangerous sanctuary cities, and reckless chain migration. We must also make English our official language of the United States. I will oppose amnesty and work with President Trump to stop dangerous sanctuary cities and deport criminal illegal immigrants. Securing the border will also help stop the flow of heroin and other illegal drugs that contribute to the opioid epidemic. And I have the toughest legislation to date targeting sanctuary cities and the politicians that are harboring illegal immigrant criminals.

Education Our children deserve the absolute best education this country can provide. With a strong educational system, we can prepare our children for the future while building a stronger America. I believe Washington bureaucrats have no business in our children’s classrooms and I have worked diligently and successfully to give the power of educating our children back to those who know best, our parents, teachers and local school districts. I oppose Common Core and any similar concept of a national school board setting curriculum. I support school choice to ensure a child’s educational opportunities are not determined by the zip code a child grows up in. I am also working on policy to help reduce the student loan burden for college.

Protecting Seniors I will protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthening these programs to ensure we keep our promises to those near or in retirement, and ensure the programs exist for future generations. The trustees of these programs warn we are heading toward major problems if we don’t make reforms to protect them. Sticking our heads in the sand and refusing to acknowledge the problem will only make matters worse. I will act to protect retirement security for Hoosier seniors, and ensure they exist for future generations without adding to our enormous national debt.

Opioid Crisis Each year the opioid crisis claims over 1,000 lives in Indiana. I will work with medical experts and law enforcement to help compassionately assist those struggling with addiction, and work to enact policies to prevent them from becoming addicted in the first place. In addition, we must recognize that there are very real economic and national security issues that contribute to the addiction crisis. Restoring economic opportunity and providing people with hope is part of addressing this human catastrophe that cannot be overlooked.

Veterans Our veterans fought to preserve the Republic, and I am committed to ensuring the promises we made to them are kept. We do that by reforming the VA bureaucracy and Veterans programs to provide better services. VA bureaucrats need to be held accountable in order to provide better service for our veterans.

Taxes and Spending I supported President Trump’s tax reform that put more money in the pockets of hardworking Hoosiers. Tax reform made it simpler and fairer for lower and middle income Americans while making America more competitive. I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to put an end to the reckless spending and mountains of debt jeopardizing the American Dream for future generations. Limiting the size of the government will ultimately help control the size of the national debt. To prevent government overreach, we must clearly define the role of government. When we rein in the Federal Government, we protect the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Drain the Swamp With six of the ten wealthiest counties in America surrounding DC, it’s clear business in Washington is booming, and that business is big government and a rigged system that does not have the best interests of Hoosiers in mind. In the Senate, I will work with President Trump to help drain the swamp in Washington, DC. We need to change the incentives that empower special interests and have created a rigged system. If Congress can’t pass a budget, they shouldn’t get paid. I support term limits and a lobbying ban to prevent politicians from coming to Washington and never leaving. I have sponsored legislation to make it easier to fire federal employees who don’t do their jobs, and I support legislation to realign federal departments and agencies to different states to break up the DC power center.

Affirming the Right to Life Every life is a precious gift from God that begins from the moment of conception. I believe this fact without exception. It is never okay to intentionally kill innocent human life. We need to promote a culture of life, ensure all women have the love and support they need to choose life, and protect women and their unborn children.

Safeguard the Second Amendment The Constitution of the United States of America and its original ten amendments is one of the most unique and exceptional documents ever known to man. The cornerstone of this document is the 2nd Amendment. The Founding Fathers understood that Americans should be able to defend themselves, their families, and their homes from others and ultimately from their government. The 2nd Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms, and this is a right we should fight to protect. When governments take away their citizens’ right to bear arms, it takes away their ability to protect against those who would harm them. We have a God-given right to our lives. Gun control does not make Americans safer, it makes them defenseless. Increased regulations will not stop criminals, but it will hinder law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves. As an NRA member, gun owner and hunter, I will fight to protect the Second Amendment and continue working to stop liberal gun grabs in the Senate.

Conservative Judges Washington liberals have loaded up the courts with liberal activists who have contempt for our Constitution, and believe their job is to write the law rather than interpret it. In the Senate, I will support conservative judges who understand the plain meaning of the Constitution, respect the separation of powers and defend the rule of law.

Health Care ObamaCare is driving up costs, reducing choices, and hurting families and small businesses. Many Hoosiers have lost their doctors, and in many communities in Indiana, there is only one health insurance provider available. I am working to repeal ObamaCare and create a free market system based on competition and choice to reduce costs, improve access and ensure all Hoosiers have access to insurance they can afford to buy and use.^[23]

”

—Todd Rokita for U.S. Senate^[26]

Policy positions

Government contracts with companies restricting commercial firearms sales

Rokita led an April 2018 letter to the General Services Administration calling on the agency to terminate its contract with Citibank, following Citibank's policy change requiring clients who sell firearms to restrict those sales to certain customers. "This flagrant disregard for American citizens and their God-given Second Amendment rights cannot be tolerated. Those who seek to undermine those God-given rights do not deserve taxpayer dollars and should be denied federal contracts," he wrote.^[27]

Opioid crisis and death penalty for drug dealers

Messer: He said he supported Trump's policy proposals to address the opioid epidemic, including having the death penalty as an option for some drug traffickers.^[28]

March 2018 spending bill

President Donald Trump (R) signed a $1.3 trillion spending bill into law on March 23, 2018. The bill included $695 billion in defense funding and $591 billion in non-defense funding. Messer supported the bill, while Rokita voted against it.

Messer: "Today, I voted to stand with President Trump and provide the men and women who serve our country the largest pay raise in a decade and ensure they have the resources they need to keep our country safe. This bill also provides a down payment on President Trump’s border wall, funds school security efforts, and makes record investments to fight the opioid epidemic. The President is right that the Senate’s broken rules give the Democrats too much leverage, which is why we must end the filibuster and allow the majority to govern.”^[29]

Rokita: "This is the Washington swamp at its worst. Once again, leadership in Congress has failed President Trump and the American people by forcing us to vote on a $1.3 trillion bill that no one could have read, that doesn't defund sanctuary cities, that doesn't defund abortion provider Planned Parenthood, and fails to fund an effective wall."^[29]

Debates and forums

April 30, 2018, debate

Braun, Messer, and Rokita participated in a debate hosted by the Indiana Debate Commision, where they discussed the $1.3 trillion spending bill signed into law in March 2018, Braun's Democratic voting record, and their commitment to the Trump administration's agenda.

Find the IndyStar round-up of the debate here.
Find the WTHR round-up of the debate here.

Indiana Senate Republican Debate, April 30, 2018

April 23, 2018, debate

Braun, Messer, and Rokita participated in a debate at the Allen County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner, where they discussed the opioid crisis and needle sharing programs, gun laws, and term limits.

Find the IndyStar round-up of the debate here.
Watch the debate here.

April 15, 2018, debate

Braun, Messer, and Rokita participated in a debate where they discussed the strikes on Syria, arming teachers for school security, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and their relationship with Trump.

Find the IndyStar round-up of the debate here.
Find the WTHR round-up of the debate here.

Indiana Senate Republican Debate, April 15, 2018

February 20, 2018, debate

Braun, Messer, and Rokita participated in a debate hosted by the Indiana chapter of Americans for Prosperity. They discussed tax increases, Social Security, and Medicare.

The Associated Press reported, "The candidates had few major policy differences. Instead, they sought to set themselves apart based on style. Messer sought to claim the mantle of being the only adult among the candidates and a party uniter. Rokita went on the attack, portraying himself as a conservative iconoclast, intent on torching the GOP establishment. And Braun presented himself as an outsider businessman who built a successful auto parts distribution empire."^[30]

The candidates also discussed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Rokita voted against it, saying, "The last thing we should do is pile more debt on our kid and grandkids." Messer, who supported the bill, countered that he was following the lead of Secretary of Defense James Mattis and President Donald Trump (R). "[Trump] could not have been clearer about what he asked us to do," Messer said.^[31]

Indiana Senate Republican Debate, February 20, 2018

Campaign finance

Republicans

Satellite spending

Hoosiers for Conservative Values, a super PAC with ties to Messer and associates of Vice President Mike Pence (R), spent more than $300,000 on ads critical of Braun's record on taxes and Democratic voting history.^[32]^[33]

American Economic Freedom Alliance made a $200,000 ad buy for Messer in March 2018, highlighting his positions on tax policy.^[34]

Campaign strategies and tactics