Luke Messer Kicks Off 2018 Senate Campaign

In his speech Messer targeted Democratic incumbent Senator Joe Donnelly, saying Donnelly is "part of the liberal status quo." (Photo by Drew Daudelin)

Republican Congressman Luke Messer kicked off his run for U.S. Senate this weekend. Messer echoed the same themes as fellow GOP candidate Todd Rokita – pledges to fight the so-called “Washington establishment” and carry out President Trump’s agenda.

A crowd of hundreds gathered in Morristown at Messer’s annual barbecue party to support the 6th District Representative in his Senate run.

Messer hit on several traditional conservative themes in his speech – fewer regulations, support for the Second Amendment, and an anti-abortion platform.

“But it really boils down to this. Hoosiers want a stronger economy, with better paying jobs, they want less government, and we want a stronger America,” Messer says.

Messer also targeted Democratic incumbent Senator Joe Donnelly. He says Donnelly is part of the liberal status quo, appeasing coastal elites in place of his Indiana constituents.

There was no direct mention of Messer’s most formidable Republican opponent, 4th District Representative Todd Rokita.

But Rokita’s campaign sent out a message the morning of the rally, claiming Messer is insincerely attaching himself to the Trump movement.