Joining Governor Daniels, Republican Leaders Are Taking a Stand

(Shelbyville, IN)— Sixth District Republican Chairman Ted Ogle announced today his endorsement of Luke Messer for 6th District Congress. Ogle is also the Bartholomew County Republican Party Chairman. 

“Our district has been led over the last twelve years by a true conservative leader and patriot – Mike Pence.  Luke Messer is the person in this race with the honesty, integrity and experience needed to fill those very big shoes,” said Ogle.  “Like Mike Pence, Luke Messer will stand up for the conservative principles of limited government, traditional family values and a strong national defense.”

Ginger Bradford, Ripley County Republican Party Chair, joined Ogle in endorsing Messer.  “Our country needs leaders who are not afraid to stand up and debate the issues,” said Bradford.  “Luke Messer is a proven conservative leader who will fight to cut spending, repeal Obamacare and end the bailouts.”

Messer, who was just endorsed by Governor Mitch Daniels, said, “We are honored to have the support of so many great leaders in our state and throughout the 6th District.  Voters in this district are responding to our message of proven conservative leadership that will stand up to the tax and spend policies of liberals in Washington.  Our campaign has tremendous momentum—but in an 8 candidate field, we can’t take anything for granted.  We will continue working over the next three days to make sure we reach every voter.”

Luke Messer is a conservative leader who has been endorsed by the Indiana Right to Life, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and earned an “A” rating from the NRA.  In that past few months, Messer has been endorsed by nearly 60 Republican Party leaders, elected officials and activists including five Republican County Chairs.

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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Indiana’s Most Respected Republican Calls Luke Messer one of his “wisest and most trusted allies.”

(Shelbyville, IN)— Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, the state’s most respected Republican, announced today his endorsement of Luke Messer in his campaign for Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District. Governor Mitch Daniels worked closely with Luke Messer for over a decade on a variety of issues.

“Luke Messer has been a key partner in most of our state’s biggest policy achievements over the last seven years—leading the State Republican Party, helping craft a balanced state budget with no tax increases and providing better educational opportunities for all Hoosier children,” said Daniels.

Messer served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006, representing Shelby and Bartholomew counties. During that time, Luke helped Governor Mitch Daniels craft the state’s first honestly balanced budget in eight years that turned a $600 million deficit into a $300 million surplus in a single year – without a tax increase.

Governor Daniels said, “Luke’s record speaks for itself. He is a strong and thoughtful leader whom I’ve always viewed as one of my wisest and most trusted allies.”

Luke Messer has been endorsed by the Indiana Right to Life, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and earned an “A” rating from the NRA.

“Governor Daniels’ accomplishments over the last eight years serve as a model for what is possible in our country with strong conservative leadership,” said Messer. “I have tremendous respect for the Governor and it is a real honor to have his endorsement,” Messer continued.

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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City and County Leaders Voice Support for Messer’s Congressional Candidacy

(Lawrenceburg, IN)— Republican former State Representative Luke Messer announced on Monday that key Dearborn County leaders endorse his candidacy for Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District Republican Primary. 

“After serving with Luke in the General Assembly, I’ve seen his leadership ability first-hand,” said State Senator Johnny Nugent.  “He has the experience we need in Congress.”

 “Luke Messer has a record of delivering positive results in the state legislature and he will do the same for us in Congress,” State Representative Jud McMillin added.  “He will fight to repeal Obamacare, balance the budget and kick start our economy.”

“Luke Messer is a strong conservative who will follow in the tradition of Congressman Mike Pence,” said Dearborn County Prosecutor Aaron Negangard.  “Luke will stand up for limited government, traditional family values and a strong national defense.”

“I’m honored to have the support of this great leadership team in Dearborn County,” Messer said. “These individuals have helped their community accomplish great things and I hope to be working with them soon to continue this progress throughout the 6^th District.” 

Dearborn County leaders who endorse Luke Messer include:

• State Senator Johnny Nugent
• State Representative Jud McMillin
• Dearborn County Prosecutor Aaron Negangard
• County Councilman Bryan Messmore
• County Councilwoman  Liz Morris
• Aurora Mayor Donnie Hastings, Jr

“We are extremely encouraged by this support in Dearborn County and it mirrors what we have seen all across Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District,” Messer concluded. “We will continue to work hard in each of the 19 counties as we enter these final weeks leading up to Election Day.”

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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Messer Campaign Begins Airing Second Television Advertisement Today

(Shelbyville, IN)— Republican former State Representative Luke Messer announced on Monday that his campaign has begun airing their second campaign commercial.

“We are excited to be releasing our second campaign ad,” said Megan Robertson, Messer’s campaign manager.  “Our campaign has seen a lot of momentum in the last month and this commercial will obviously add to that.” 

“Luke is the only candidate in this race with a proven record as a conservative leader.  In Congress, Luke will stand up to Barack Obama and continue in the tradition of leaders like Governor Daniels and Congressman Mike Pence,” concluded Robertson.

Ad text follows:

“Rural Route” (30 seconds)

Voice Over:  Everywhere you go, from Muncie to Madison*, Hoosiers are Republicans are rallying around a proven leader.

Luke Messer:  I will stand up to Barack Obama and fight his policies that are hurting America.

Voice Over:  Luke Messer, a pro-life conservative.

Luke Messer:  We have to stop the reckless spending, balance the budget and repeal Obamacare.

Voice Over:  Like Mike Pence, Luke Messer believes in conservative principles: Smaller government, a strong defense and family values.

Luke Messer:  I’m Luke Messer and I approve this message.

*Note:  Alternate versions include other cities based on media market.

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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Republican Luke Messer’s success in campaign fundraising continued during the first three months of 2012. But on Monday, Messer’s GOP opponents for the 6th District seat in Congress downplayed his financial advantage.

Campaign finance reports released in the last days reveal that Messer, a former state lawmaker from Shelbyville, raised $127,225 in January, February and March.

Don Bates, a financial adviser from Randolph County, reported raising $45,140 during the same period, and Travis Hankins, who refers to himself as a real estate investor from Columbus, reported raising $28,410.

But another GOP candidate, Bill Frazier, a Muncie businessman, apparently has the most money to spend. Although he reported raising just $330, Frazier also apparently loaned more than $700,000 to his own campaign.

Eight Republicans’ names will appear on the May 8 ballots for the 6th District nomination. But two of them – Allen Smith and John Hatter – have withdrawn from the race to endorse Messer.

The remaining candidates hope to replace U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Columbus, in Congress. Pence is running for governor this year.

Messer’s fundraising in the first quarter of 2012 adds to his lead from the end of 2011. Going into this year, Messer, who is the former executive director of the Indiana Republican Party, had already raised about $250,000 more than his closest opponent.

In a press release about the finance reports, Messer’s campaign manager, Megan Robertson, said Messer has been working to build a “grassroots campaign with the financial strength to win.”

“Over the past several months, our campaign has experienced tremendous momentum,” Robertson added. “This report is one more example that Hoosier Republicans, from Muncie to Madison, are excited about Luke Messer.”

However, on Monday, both Bates and Hankins said their campaigns have enough money to win the primary race.

Bates said he never thought that his campaign would win the fundraising battle, and he said Messer has connections to lobbyists in Indianapolis that give him an advantage.

Messer’s campaign did report raising $48,000 from political action committees in the first quarter of the year, including $5,000 from the Exxon Mobil Corp. PAC and $5,000 from the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

As for Hankins, he said in an email he hasn’t set aside time to solicit donations since March 2011.

“If a candidate spends his time fundraising, then once in office he will spend his time fundraising,” Hankins said. “If a candidate spends his time talking directly with the people, then that is what he will continue to do once elected.”

Hankins added he doesn’t plan to fundraise for the rest of the campaign.

“We have all the money we need,” he added.

Finance reports for the other two Republican candidates in the race – Joseph Van Wye and Joe Sizemore – were not available on Monday.

Two dropouts and lack of funding have trimmed down the GOP field

MUNCIE — With only three weeks to go until Primary Election Day, the once-crowded race among Republicans hoping to succeed Congressman Mike Pence isn’t quite so crowded anymore.

In recent days, firefighter/Bartholomew County Coroner Allen Smith and Ivy Tech Community College executive John Hatter have dropped out of the race, although they will remain on the ballot. Both endorsed Luke Messer, a Shelbyville attorney who is viewed as the GOP establishment’s favorite candidate.

Two other candidates apparently face a lack of financial support. Joseph Van Wye Sr. says he hasn’t raised enough money to have to file a campaign finance report, nor could The Star Press find a finance report from candidate Joe Sizemore, who calls himself “an average Joe.”

That leaves Messer; Delaware County farmer Bill Frazier, who loaned himself $730,000 for the campaign but has raised only $330 from others this year; Richmond financial advisor Don Bates Jr., whose campaign was down to $15,256 cash on hand as of Sunday, and Columbus real estate investor Travis Hankins, whose cash on hand totaled $30,827 on Sunday, according to pre-primary campaign finance reports that were due on Sunday.

By comparison, Messer — who has been identified by the National Republican Congressional Committee as a “contender” for its “Young Guns” program — reported having $351,769 cash on hand on Sunday. His financial supporters include U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R. Calif.

The Bates, Frazier, Hankins and Messer campaigns expressed confidence in winning during interviews on Monday.

“I have not filed my (campaign finance) report because I have not met the minimum $5,000 (threshold in contributions) yet,” said Van Wye, a self-employed computer service technician from Madison. “Me and Messer are good friends. If I don’t get the nomination, I’m going to support him. He’s a good person. I would say he’s the front-runner because he’s got the most name recognition. Then it would be Bates.”

Messer

Messer’s donors include political action committees representing Exxon Mobil, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, credit unions, National Beer Wholesalers and other PACs, as well as numerous individual donors throughout the district and beyond, ranging from homemakers to executives from Red Gold, Saint-Gobain Containers and Comcast.

“Luke is the only candidate who has a districtwide campaign acting in all 19 counties with grassroots support and raising dollars to be competitive everywhere,” asserted Megan Robertson, Messer’s campaign manager. “Three weeks out, it’s pretty clear Luke is the front-runner.”

The 6th Congressional District runs from Muncie to the Ohio River. In East Central Indiana, it includes Muncie, New Castle, Richmond and Winchester.

Messer’s campaign finance report shows he has raised $537,665 in the election cycle to date, including $127,225 this year. That much money can cover paid campaign staff (four, currently), consultants, website support and caterers as well as advertising and other services.

Bates

Bates is also spending on consultants, website support and administrative services (three paid staff) and advertising. His lengthy list of donors includes Rex Early, former chairman of the state Republican Party (Messer is also a former chairman of the state GOP) and the presidents of Union Bible College and Ohio Christian University.

“When you’re a lobbyist (Messer is director of Hoosiers for Economic Growth) with connections to a lot of PACs, we certainly expected them to have the resources they have,” Bates said. “But that’s not where the race will be won. This race will be decided by voters in the 6th District, not by pundits and power brokers in Indianapolis or Washington. We’re confident we have and will continue to have the resources we need to win. We have a presence in every county.”

Bates has raised $149,486 in the election cycle to date (none from PACs), including $45,180 this year.

Frazier

“Bill has always made a point to fund his own campaigns, so he can’t be accused of being obligated to special-interest groups,” said Frazier campaign manager Ken Baskette. “Messer is the establishment candidate favored by the party leaders. Bill thinks he’s better qualified. It won’t be interest groups or party people letting him know how to vote. A lot of the county chairmen are bending over backwards to support Messer. They’re not supposed to favor any candidate in the primary, but that’s the way it is. Bill lost a narrow (congressional) race to David McIntosh (in 1994) because the party backed McIntosh. If they’d have been treated equally, Bill would have won and be a Congressman.”

Hankins

Hankins itemized contributions from fewer than a dozen supporters this year, including several with the same last name: Denney. Much of his financial support has come from in-kind services, including vehicle, vehicle repairs, signs, food and office supplies. His expenses have included fuel, telephone and support for online giving.

Hankins said he spent the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011 concentrating on raising nearly $200,000 before focusing strictly on a grassroots campaign.

“If you spend all your time fundraising before you are elected, we can count on him (Messer) to continue to constantly fundraise once he’s elected,” Hankins said. “We need a candidate who talks directly to the people. People don’t even know there’s an election coming up,” he added, because they ignore “junk mail, TV and newspaper ads.”

Messer has reached the third step of the NRCC’s four-step “Young Guns” program. The third step is “Contender.” Now he faces a new set of benchmarks before completing the program.

Contact reporter Seth Slabaugh at 213-5834.

6^th Congressional District Candidate Suspends Campaign and Throws Support Behind Messer

(Columbus, IN)— Allen Smith, former candidate in Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District, announced on Friday that he will be supporting Luke Messer for Congress in the upcoming Republican Primary.  Smith currently serves as the Bartholomew County Coroner and a firefighter.

“Luke Messer is exactly the kind of person we need in Congress,” said Smith.  “We need leaders that will fight to get our country back on track.  We must repeal Obamacare, balance the budget and kick start our economy.  Luke Messer has a proven record of delivering results and the experience we need,” Smith concluded.  

“I am honored to have Allen’s support for our campaign for Congress,” said Messer.  “He is a strong conservative, a great family man and a leader in the Bartholomew County community.  Allen Smith agrees that we need our next Congressman to continue in the tradition of Congressman Mike Pence—standing up for traditional family values, limited government and a strong national defense,” Messer continued.

Allen joins former 6^th District Congressional candidates John Hatter, Kristen Foster, and Matt Strittmatter in endorsing Messer in the Republican Primary election.

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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6^th Congressional District Candidate Suspends Campaign and Throws Support Behind Messer

(Columbus, IN)— John Hatter, candidate in Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District, announced on Wednesday that he will be supporting Luke Messer for Congress in the upcoming Republican Primary. 

“I am proud of the race that we’ve run but with so many candidates in the race, I do not want to stand in the way of our party nominating a conservative candidate for Congress with the integrity and preparation needed for the job,” said Hatter. 

“After getting to know Luke Messer better on the campaign trail, I am absolutely convinced that he is a strong conservative who will follow in the tradition of Congressman Mike Pence – standing up for limited government, traditional family values and a strong national defense. He will have my support and I urge my supporters to get behind him as well,” Hatter concluded.

Under Indiana law, John Hatter’s name will continue to appear on the ballot on May 8^th. Hatter, however, will be suspending his campaign and advocating for Messer leading up to the Primary Election.

“This is a big boost to our campaign.  I am honored and humbled to receive John Hatter’s support,” said Luke Messer.  “In this campaign, John has distinguished himself as a straight talking, high integrity, common sense conservative with a great love of our country and his community.  We share the belief that our country needs leaders who will fight to cut spending, balance the budget, repeal Obamacare and end the bailouts.  The time for leadership is now.”

John Hatter joins former candidates Kristen Foster, who endorsed Messer earlier this week and former Wayne County Sheriff Matt Strittmatter who endorsed Messer last year. Additionally, Messer has been endorsed by nearly 50 past or current state lawmakers, mayors, prosecutors, county commissioners, city council member, sheriffs and other Republican Party leaders in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District 

About Luke Messer

Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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Former 6^th Congressional District Candidate Throws Support Behind Messer

(Greenfield, IN)— Kristen Foster, former candidate in Indiana’s 6^th Congressional District, announced on Tuesday that she will be supporting Luke Messer for Congress in the upcoming Republican Primary. 

“This is about serving you—the people.  Some candidates make it about them.  Luke Messer has never done that; his focus is on the people,” said Kristen Foster.  “And in Congress, he will fight reckless spending, balance the budget, and repeal Obamacare,” Foster concluded.    

“I am honored to have Kristen’s support for our campaign for Congress,” said Messer.  “Kristen is a strong conservative and an accomplished professional with a great family.  Kristen Foster agrees that we need our next Congressman to continue in the tradition of Congressman Mike Pence—standing up for traditional family values, limited government and a strong national defense.”

Foster joins former 6^th District Congressional Candidate and former Wayne County Sheriff Matt Strittmatter who endorsed Messer last year.   

About Luke Messer

 Luke Messer, 43, is the President and CEO of the Hoosiers for Economic Growth Network and served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003-2006.  During his tenure in the legislature, Messer earned a 100% rating from Indiana Right to Life, an “A” rating from the NRA, and was best known for authoring nationally recognized high school drop-out reform legislation.  Messer is also a former Executive Director of the Indiana Republican Party, serving from 2001-2005.

 Luke grew up in Greensburg, and he and his wife Jennifer are raising their two daughters and a son in Shelbyville.  Luke also served as an elder at his church and is the author a children’s book about Indiana entitled Hoosier Heart.  To learn more about Luke Messer’s campaign, log on to www.lukemesser.com.

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