Club for Growth President Chris Chocola:  “Richard Mourdock defeated a legend in Indiana politics because of his hard work, focus on the issues, and his conservative message.”

 Washington, DC – Tonight, the Club for Growth PAC congratulated Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock on his historic victory in Indiana’s Republican Primary over six-term incumbent Senator Richard Lugar. According to USA Today, of the 22 senators in history who have served longer than Senator Lugar, only two have lost party primaries: Senator Kenneth McKellar (D-TN) in 1952 and Senator Ellison Smith (D-SC) in 1944.

“The Club for Growth PAC congratulates Richard Mourdock on his historic victory over Senator Lugar,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “Richard Mourdock defeated a legend in Indiana politics because of his hard work, focus on the issues, and his conservative message. Richard Mourdock’s victory truly sends a message to the liberals in the Republican Party: voters are rejecting the policies that led to record debt and diminished economic freedom, and they will continue to be rejected in elections throughout America.”

“I also want to congratulate Senator Richard Lugar on his service to our state and our nation,” added Chocola. “Despite our disagreement on many issues, I have a deep personal admiration for Senator Lugar’s dedication to Hoosiers and his vast knowledge of foreign affairs.”

 Facts about the $2 million impact of Club for Growth entities and members on Indiana’s Republican Senate Primary

 Ø  The Club for Growth PAC endorsed Mourdock on February 14^th, 2012.

 Ø  The Club for Growth PAC bundled over $330,000 from Club for Growth members directly to Richard Mourdock’s campaign.

 Ø  Club for Growth Action spent $1.45 million to defeat Senator Lugar on television and radio ads.

·         “Choice” (TV :30) – launched 4/9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgFFNUikqwU

·         “Choice” (Radio :30) - launched 4/9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bacsiLV7iVs

·         “Statesman” (Radio :60) – launched 4/9 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s5LimQ-dq0

·         “Clinging” (TV :30) – launched 4/26 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx25fZAUcvs 

 Ø  Total independent expenditures by Club for Growth entities were more than all other pro-Mourdock outside groups combined.

 Ø  Total approximate Club for Growth Action independent expenditures on television and radio ads: nearly $1.5 million.

Ø  Bundled donations to the Mourdock campaign raised from Club for Growth members by Club for Growth PAC:  $330,000

Ø  Approximate total influence by Club for Growth entities and members on Indiana’s Senate Race (television, radio, mail and bundling efforts): Over $2,000,000.