Joe Donnelly

The race for U.S. Senate in Indiana is one of the most hotly contested in the country, as the outcome could help tip the balance of power in Washington.

According to some polls, Republican state treasurer Richard Mourdock is in a statistical dead heat with his opponent - Democratic Congressman Joe Donnelly.

WBEZ’s Michael Puente spoke with Donnelly this week about the race.

Mike’s first question to Donnelly, who is from South Bend, was did he think he’d be in this tight race given Indiana is a pretty red state?

Richard Mourdock

Hoosiers aren’t the only ones interested in who wins Richard Lugar’s U.S. Senate seat, the one he’s held for nearly four decades.

The outcome could have national implications for who controls Washington.

That’s why money continues to pour into the campaigns of Democrat Joe Donnelly and Republican Richard Mourdock.

We heard from Congressman Donnelly earlier this week.

WBEZ’s Michael Puente spoke with state treasurer Mourdock earlier this week while he was on his way to a fundraiser in Chicago.

Mourdock is from the far southern Indiana city of Evansville, near Kentucky.

Mike’s first question to Mourdock was if he anticipated such a tight race this late into the race?