Marathon Pundit: Tea Party Express to endorse Mourdock in IN GOP Senate primary

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) was mentioned by then-candidate Barack Obama as someone he seeks out for foreign policy counsel in a presidential debate in 2008. Sounds okay, but then Obama used that clip in Indiana television ads. Lugar could have told him to pull the ads--but he didn't. Obama won the Hoosier State, becoming the first Democrat to do so since 1964.

That's not Lugar's only problem. The Tea Party Express is backing Lugar's primary opponent, Richard Mourdock.

From a Tea Party Express press release:

TEA PARTY EXPRESS SET TO ENDORSE RICHARD MOURDOCK FOR US SENATE AT PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY

Tea Party Express, www.TeaPartyExpress.org, considered one of the most aggressive and influential tea party groups, is in Indianapolis today to make a major announcement: the endorsement of Richard Mourdock for US Senate.

Earlier this year, the Tea Party Express announced Senator Lugar as a top target for electoral defeat, citing a his history of votes for wasteful spending, bailouts, and bigger government, combined with an attitude of disdain for the tea party movement.

Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer and Chief Strategist Sal Russo will give comments at the press conference today, and will discuss further plans to support Mourdock and ensure the defeat of Senator Dick Lugar.

Details of press conference today:

WHEN: Thursday, September 29 at 10AM
WHERE: Mourdock Campaign Headquarters
855-1 N High School Road
Indianapolis, IN 46214
The Tea Party Express has a reputation for unseating establishment Republicans in GOP primaries. The group backed Joe Miller for Senate, who defeated Lisa Murkowski and won the GOP nomination in Alaska. The group also gave considerable backing to Christine O'Donnell in Delaware and Mike Lee in Utah, who both defeated Republican incumbents for the nomination.

UPDATE 10:40am CDT: The press conference is over. From another TPX release:

Tea Party Express, www.TeaPartyExpress.org, held a press conference today at the campaign headquarters of Richard Mourdock, where the group presented him with a campaign contribution and gave an official endorsement for his bid to replace Republican Senator Dick Lugar.

The Tea Party Express announced Senator Lugar as a top target for electoral defeat, citing his history of votes for the TARP bailout, bailout of Fannie and Freddie, vote against banning earmarks, and repeated votes against cutting wasteful government spending coupled with his attitude of disdain for the tea party movement.

"Richard Mourdock is a true conservative with a solid record of standing up for fiscal responsibility and Constitutionally limited government. He understands the importance of putting an end to Washington's wild spending and skyrocketing debt. We at the Tea Party Express are proud to endorse Richard Mourdock for US Senate, and will work hard to ensure victory," said Amy Kremer, Chair of Tea Party Express.

Treasurer Mourdock said, "I appreciate the endorsement of Tea Party Express and the support of their leaders Amy Kremer and Sal Russo. It is a reflection of the momentum and strength our campaign continues to gain on a daily basis."

The conservative group has a reputation for bringing significant resources to aid the candidates they endorse. The effort to support Mourdock for Senate will include TV and Radio buys, as well as efforts on the ground in coordination with local tea party organizers.