Lugar to feature McCain, Daniels in new ads for reelection

Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.) will roll out two heavy-hitting surrogates in his next round of ads: Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Daniels is one of the most popular politicians in Indiana, and is especially beloved by the Republican base. He told The Hill in September that Lugar was a "mentor," "icon" and "extraordinary public servant" — his support could help Lugar in a big way.

McCain, on the other hand, lost the state in his 2008 presidential run and has never been popular with the movement conservatives who usually vote in low-turnout Senate primaries.

Lugar is battling for his political survival against Indiana state Treasurer Richard Mourdock (R), who has the clear momentum in the race. A poll released by Mourdock's campaign on Wednesday showed the two tied, whereas in a nonpartisan poll from last week, Lugar still had a seven-point edge.

This post was updated at 5:52 p.m.

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