New Jersey governor aims GOP star power at Mourdock
BY Teresa Auch Schultz tauch@post-trib.com October 17, 2012 9:40PM
Republican senate candidate Richard Mourdock raises his hands to cheers as New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks on his behalf Wednesday evening at the Radisson Hotel in Merrillville. | Jeffrey D. Nicholls~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 19, 2012 3:40PM
MERRILLVILLE — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie urged Hoosiers on Wednesday night to vote for a man of principles, even if they don’t completely agree with him.
U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is not that man, Christie said.
“Donnelly will do and say whatever he needs to do and say to (get elected),” the governor said while stumping for Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock, who is facing off against Donnelly.
Christie spoke to a crowd of several hundred people gathered at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, encouraging them to stand behind Mourdock and other Republicans running for office.
The New Jersey governor, speaking in a county known for its Democratic leanings, talked of his own efforts to win office in a predominantly liberal state. Despite those hurdles, Christie said, he was able to win over independents and conservative Democrats who were concerned about the direction of the state and wanted someone they believed could help, even if they didn’t agree with him on all policies.
Now the country faces those same issues, he said, and Mourdock is the same kind of man. He noted that the Republican candidate, who made headlines after defeating Sen. Richard Lugar in the primary election by talking of inflicting his opinions on other people, will compromise on issues.
“But he’s not willing to do unprincipled compromise,” he told the crowd.
Christie warned that Donnelly would act as a “butler” to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Voting for Mourdock could help take the Democrats out of the majority, however, Christie said.
“He could be the 51st vote to fire Harry Reid,” he said.
Mourdock also spoke to the crowd of supporters, telling them that he wants to bring the efforts of Gov. Mitch Daniels in Indiana to the entire country, citing Daniels’ work to cut corporate taxes and government spending and to cap property taxes.
Meanwhile, corporate taxes at the federal level are some of the highest in the world, Mourdock said.
“Government should never be an employment agency,” he said.
Investors are scared to spend their money because of confusing tax rates, Mourdock said. That’s why the government needs to set rules, he said, and apply them equally to everyone.
He said after the event that he would work to close tax loopholes.
“Crony capitalism shouldn’t be part of the American system,” he said.
He also attacked Donnelly, saying the congressman ignored Mourdock’s history in accusing him of not being willing to compromise.
Not only is he willing to work with anyone, Mourdock said, but he also believes he can convince people in the region to vote for him.
“I want to win Northwest Indiana,” he said.
