Tea Party sets sights on Dick Lugar

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - There were no major Tea Party victories in Indiana in last week's election. Could that change in 2012?

Tea Party members have targeted GOP Senator Richard Lugar and here are a couple of things to consider: First, "GOP Senators See Threat on Right" is the headline on Politico.com. It reports that Dick Lugar is one of five Senators who could see a Tea Party challenge in 2012.

Secondly, Jim Shella reported in his blog at wishtv.com this week that state Treasurer Richard Mourdock is considering a Senate run.

Mourdock was the leading vote getter in Indiana last week. The Republican won a second term with 62 percent of the vote. He's says he's getting a lot of advice about what to do next. "I don't know what my future's gonna be," he said.

With regard to a potential primary challenge to Lugar Mourdock said, "I've gotta keep my wits about me," and not be "ruled by the emotion of the moment."

It prompted comments about Lugar on Indiana Week in Review where state Democratic Chairman Dan Parker posed a question, "Does he have something to worry about? Sure. There are plenty of Republicans who were challenged from the right this year and were defeated."

"I think this guy is an icon in Indiana politics," said former state GOP Chairman Mike McDaniel, "and I think it would be almost impossible to make a challenge and make it work."

Mourdock, meantime, is not the only potential primary challenger to Lugar. State Senator Mike Delph has also been courting the Tea Party with an eye toward 2012.

Taking out Dick Lugar, however, is a tall order for any politician.