Republicans Senator Lugar, Mourdock face off in May primary for U.S. Senate seat

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Two Republicans are vying for Indiana's United States Senate seat in 2012.  Long-time Senator, Richard Lugar faces Indiana Treasurer, Richard Mourdock in the May primary.

Lugar has held the position since 1976.

"We're actively engaged on Indiana and engaging Hoosiers," said David Willkie, Political Director for Friends ofLugar.  "Talking about Senator Lugar's record, which is very strong for Indiana, and what we've done here for Hoosiers."

Mourdock has been Indiana's Treasurer since 2006.  Many political experts and analysts say Mourdock is one of the toughest opponents Lugar has faced in a primary.

"This race is taking on national importance," Mourdock said.  "It's really going to set the tone to what the Republican party stands for in the United States Senate.  Are we going to be conservatives or move towards the mushy middle?  I don't think it's going that way.  The Hoosier Republicans I'm hearing from are fired up about this race, and we're going to win."

By law, candidates are required to announce how much run their campaign has raised so far. 

Mourdock's campaign has raised $1.3 million since March of last year. 

Lugar's team has raised $760,000 in the last quarter.  The majority of it coming from Indiana.

The primary takes place on Tuesday, May 8.  That gives the two candidates a little more than three months to campaign across the enter state.

"We're talking and mobilizing Republicans who want to see the United States Congress," Mourdock said, "and especially the United States Senate made more conservative.  People understand Mr. Lugar is a good man, and he is, but it's time for change.  It is not the Richard Lugar seat, it's the seat of the people of Indiana."

"The classic reason is just his long-standing great service," Willkie said.  "Recently, he introduced legislation to force President Obama to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline, which will mean many jobs for America.  20,000 jobs but also many jobs here in Indiana and we're very excited about that."