Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) is a prime Tea Party target this year as he faces a tough primary challenge from state Treasurer Richard Mourdock. But he’ll be heading into battle with plenty resources, raising nearly $1 million this quarter.
According to Roll Call, Lugar’s latest FEC filings of $974,000 will push his cash-on-hand total to over $3 million, making him a formidable opponent. Mourdock has told reporters he has raised about $125,000.
Money by no means guarantees the seat — third party groups like the Tea Party Express have proven very effective at boosting insurgent candidates with even relatively small ad buys — but Lugar’s early fundraising numbers signal that he’s trying to get ahead of the challenge early.
