Indiana Republicans starting ads for Engling a month after Democrat Bayh hit the airwaves

Indiana Republicans say they’re starting a statewide advertising campaign to boost secretary of state candidate Max Engling — a month after Democratic nominee Beau Bayh’s ads first hit the airwaves.

The state Republican Party announced Thursday plans for the $1 million effort in support of Engling, with the cost split between the state party and Gov. Mike Braun’s campaign.

The Engling ads were set to begin airing this week, state GOP spokeswoman Kylie Glatfelter said, but video of the initial commercial wasn’t immediately released.

The Republican Party’s announcement said the ad spending “reflects Braun’s strong support for Engling,” a staffer to U.S. Sen. Jim Banks who defeated current Secretary of State Diego Morales during June’s state GOP convention. 

“I’m proud to put my full support behind him, and this campaign is about making sure voters across our state know what’s at stake in this race,” Braun said in the Republican Party’s statement. 

Beau Bayh ad kicks off potentially expensive Indiana secretary of state campaign

The spending by Braun and state Republicans helps Engling close the fundraising gap between him and Bayh in what is poised to be an expensive campaign that includes former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard running under the Lincoln Party banner. Libertarian Lauri Shillings is also on the ballot.

The Bayh campaign launched its broadcast advertising about four weeks ago and has had the political airwaves to itself since then.

Bayh, the son of former Gov. Evan Bayh, ended June with about $2.3 million in his campaign fund, making him the best-financed Democratic candidate in years as he tries to become the first Democrat to win a statewide office since 2012.

Engling had a late start in fundraising as he launched his successful GOP nomination challenge in May. Engling’s campaign had about $150,000 as of June 30, according to Election Division reports.

Since July 1, Bayh’s campaign has reported nearly $450,000 in large contributions. Engling’s campaign has received about $200,000 in large contributions during that time.