INDIANAPOLIS (AP)The brother of Vice President Mike Pence capitalized on his well-known title and backing from different high Republicans to win an Indiana congressional major Tuesday towards an entrepreneur who principally self-funded his marketing campaign.
Columbus businessman Greg Pence has by no means held a public workplace. Still, he simply gained the first largely due to his youthful brother, who represented the sixth District for a dozen years earlier than turning into Indiana governor.
His closest GOP rival was Muncie entrepreneur Jonathan Lamb, who loaned his marketing campaign round $800,000 in an effort to maintain tempo with Pence. Pence had raised $1.2 million and spent practically $1 million as of mid-April, making it the costliest race amongst Indiana's congressional districts.
The seat is open as a result of incumbent Rep. Luke Messer is in search of the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
Lamb, 36, criticized his opponent for counting on the Pence title and dodging debates. He mentioned he had a tough time telling the place Pence stands on points, though each profess assist for most of President Donald Trump's agenda.
Meanwhile, Pence has mentioned his household title is a "good title" and that he prefers assembly voters as a substitute of debating.
Pence, 61, is a Marine veteran and proprietor of two vintage malls. He as soon as ran a now-bankrupt chain of Tobacco Road comfort shops. He has mentioned he would deal with points reminiscent of infrastructure, veterans' affairs, fixing the immigration system and well being care.
Some voters who forged ballots for Pence cited his extra well-known brother and assist for Trump as causes for backing him.
"He comes from a superb household," mentioned Ken Branch, a 57-year-old autoworker from New Palestine, Indiana, who voted at a polling website in a funeral house southeast of Indianapolis. "I like what they stand forwhat I'd name Christian values."
Also working within the GOP major have been Stephen MacKenzie, Mike Campbell and Jeff Smith.
Pence will face the highest vote-getter amongst six Democrats: George Holland, Okay. Lave, Jeannine Lee Lake, Jim Pruett, Lane Siekman or Joshua Williamson.