McCain Not Stumping With Elrod In Indy Campaign Visit

Earlier this week, John McCain attended a fundraiser for the Republican House nominee in the competitive special election to succeed former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.): dairy owner Jim Oberweis.

But today, McCain is not fundraising or campaigning with another Republican nominee, state Rep. Jon Elrod, for the special election to succeed the late Rep. Julia Carson (D-Ind.), even though he’s spending time today in Indianapolis today.

McCain held a town hall event this morning in downtown Indianapolis.

“No one approached us, and we didn’t approach them,” said Elrod spokesman Kyle Kasting.

The lack of organization between the two campaigns suggests that, while Republicans have the opportunity to contest the Democratic-leaning Indianapolis seat, they can’t afford to expend significant money or resources to what amounts to a tough pickup opportunity.

Polling has suggested that the Democratic nominee for the March 11 special election, Indianapolis City Councilor Andre Carson, is vulnerable. But given Elrod’s limited resources, the lack of national Republican involvement in the race, suggests he faces an uphill battle in the special election.