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In Epic Statement, Lugar Rips Foe, Congress

Calls opponent Richard Mourdock an 'unrelenting partisan'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 9, 2012 11:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Dick Lugar isn't going quietly into the sunset. The newly deposed Indiana senator has released a scathing 1,425-word statement lambasting his party, his opponent, and Congress in general, Politico reports. Lugar says he wants opponent Richard Mourdock to win because he wants to see a GOP majority for pal Mitch McConnell. But he doubts Mourdock would be a good senator. "He and I share many positions, but his embrace of an unrelenting partisan mindset is irreconcilable with my philosophy of governance."

"What he has promised in this campaign is reflexive votes for a rejectionist orthodoxy," Lugar complains. It's not just Mourdock, either; Lugar sees legislators on both sides manning partisan battle stations, much to the delight of special interests. Now as never before, lawmakers dare not "admit any nuance" on most issues. "If this attitude expands in the Republican Party, we will be relegated to minority status," he warns. "Bipartisanship is not the opposite of principle." Politico has Lugar's full statement here.

Sen. Richard Lugar meets with voters outside of a polling location Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in Greenwood, Ind. Lugar is being challenged by two-term state Treasurer Richard Mourdock.
Sen. Richard Lugar meets with voters outside of a polling location Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in Greenwood, Ind. Lugar is being challenged by two-term state Treasurer Richard Mourdock.   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 34 comments
raymel1
May 10, 2012 5:59 AM CDT
Lugar needs to learn his address as it sure IS NOT in Indiana and hasnt been for almost 40 years.
shusss
May 9, 2012 2:54 PM CDT
The public bitch and complain about gridlock in Washington, and then they shoot the moderates.  When Wisconsin lost Feingold two years ago it was the same pathetic display.  Take someone that can work with the other side and yank them from where they can do some good.  Then in the case of Feingold, replace him with a lightweight that is never heard from again.
anonymous191919
May 9, 2012 2:38 PM CDT
From what I can tell, I disagree with Lugar on many political points but this was a great statement by him. Partisan politics are preventing progress and contributing to all the problems this country is afflicted with. There's no effort to actually resolve issues, just to support your party. The political discourse in the media is infantile and both parties are to blame.

 
Congress • Richard Lugar • partisanship • bipartisanship • Richard Mourdock

 
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