INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A little-known state lawmaker hopes to upend Indiana’s already contentious GOP Senate primary by plunging roughly $800,000 of his own money into his campaign.
Besides his own contribution, state Rep. Mike Braun has raised more than $200,000 from donors, including many he knows through his automotive supply business, since announcing his candidacy in early August, his campaign told The Associated Press. Braun says the totals show he can compete in the race, which has drawn a handful of candidates, including two sitting Republican congressmen.
“That was done in a month and a half,” said Braun. “It exceeded my expectations.”
Indiana’s Republican race will determine who will face Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in the 2018 general election. The primary isn’t until May, but it has already drawn national attention due to a bitter feud between Reps. Todd Rokita and Luke Messer.
The two personally attacked each other before either officially entered the race. At different points each has accused the other of being “unhinged.”