Indiana GOP pushing for Republicans to vote — and not stray from the party

Indiana’s Republicans are working to ensure their base comes out for the midterm elections.

Signs of Republican jitters have popped up in turnout texts and social media posts as voters are deciding a hotly contested secretary of state’s race and the GOP works to fend off challenges to its control of congressional and legislative seats.

A letter circulated this week from the Republican chair for northeastern Indiana’s 3rd congressional district warning party members that they can’t openly support non-GOP candidates and remain a “Republican in good standing under party rules.”

“These expectations are fundamental to the trust we place in those who seek office and/or serve in any capacity under the Republican banner,” said the letter from Patricia Brown, who is also the LaGrange County GOP chair.

Similar calls for party action against wandering Republicans have emerged — especially as secretary of state candidates tout GOP supporters who are going against Republican nominee Max Engling.

Former Lt. Govs. Sue Ellspermann and John Mutz, both longtime Republicans, are both supporting Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard — the former GOP mayor of Indianapolis. 

Democrat Beau Bayh, meanwhile, has featured Republican state Sen. Greg Walker (who lost in May’s GOP primary) in a TV ad and this week promoted online an endorsement of Republican Union County Commissioner Tim Williams.

A state Republican spokeswoman didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment Friday about the calls for party sanctions.

Former GOP state party chairman Kyle Hupfer even took to Facebook recently to encourage voting and remind Republicans to stay in line.

“We need all Republicans to get out and vote and come home for Max Engling for Secretary of State, then cast votes for their congressional, state legislative and local Republican candidates,” he posted.

“If you are an elected Republican or hold a party position, I believe that there is no wiggle room. Support the Republican nominee,” Hupfer added.

The Indiana Federation of Republican Women put out a blunt message this past week with some highway billboards saying “Republicans who stay home elect Democrats.”

“Elections are decided by the people who show up,” said Chloe Anagnos Pierce, the group’s president who is also the Engling campaign spokeswoman. “This is the first time our organization has made an ad buy like this, and it reflects just how committed our members are to turning out Republican voters.”