Red-State Senators Face Activist Challengers From Within

Article origination

Red-State Senators Face Activist Challengers From Within

Re-election trouble is brewing for longtime Republican senators in deep-red states, from South Carolina to Wyoming. And the trouble is from within.

The GOP's restive Tea Party and libertarian wings, energized by their titular leader, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, and funded in part by starve-government groups like the Club for Growth, are waging 2014 Senate primary challenges in six states — and counting.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is under attack, as are Mike Enzi of Wyoming and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. All were rated among the most conservative in the U.S. Senate last year by the American Conservative Union.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Senate's second-ranking Republican, may join the list of the challenged, but so far he has no viable primary opponent.

As the fallout from the recent government shutdown and default crisis settles, here's our look at the state of play in Senate races that a Republican is likely to win. But just which Republican is the question.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Indiana tax collections still ahead this fiscal year despite missing the mark in March

Indiana tax revenues are ahead of where the state budget needs them to be heading into the final three months of the budget cycle despite collections in March that failed to meet expectations.

Public Affairs / April 17, 2024

Indiana receives over $3 million to reclaim abandoned coal mines

Indiana is expected to receive more than $3 million in funding to reclaim abandoned coal mines in the state. The money comes from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's Reclaiming Abandoned Mine Lands program.

Public Affairs / April 16, 2024

GOP governor candidates spend $35 million in most expensive primary in state history

Indiana's six Republican candidates for governor have spent more than $35 million in the most expensive primary in state history, with $20 million of that total coming in just the last three months.