Palin backs Mourdock

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Sarah Palin is throwing her conservative clout behind Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock in his U.S. Senate bid.

The former candidate for vice president and tea party icon calls Mourdock the "conservative choice" over U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar. Palin endorsed Mourdock on Friday afternoon in a note posted to her Facebook page.

Mourdock has picked up multiple endorsements from national conservative in his race against Lugar. Lugar meanwhile touted an endorsement from former Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

Indiana voters will choose May 8 between the two men. National conservatives have made the race a referendum on Lugar and his 36 years in office.

Palin has also been invited by Indiana tea party members to attend a May 5 rally for Mourdock. She has not said yet if she will attend.