Trump stumps for GOP hopeful Braun in Indiana

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — President Donald Trump sought to turn up the pressure on Sen. Joe Donnelly at an Indiana rally Thursday night, saying the state must defeat the vulnerable Democrat because “Joe’s not going to vote for us on anything.”

Appearing in Evansville, Trump aimed to boost support for wealthy Republican businessman Mike Braun, who is facing off against Donnelly in what is viewed as one of the nation’s most competitive Senate races. The rally came as Trump kicks up his campaign travel with the midterm elections approaching.

Trump, who last visited the state in May, called Braun a “special guy” and said he will “be a truly great senator.” Before the rally, he attended a private roundtable and fundraising reception.

Braun took the stage and pledged to be a “true ally” to Trump, “not somebody that says something when you’re in Indiana and does something differently when you’re in D.C.”

In a state the president carried by roughly 19 percentage points in 2016, both candidates have sought to stress their connections to Trump. Braun has welcomed Trump’s backing, greeting him at the airport as he arrived in Indiana on Thursday afternoon.

Donnelly recently released an ad that showed the president thanking him as Trump signed “Right to Try” legislation. On his website, he promotes a study from Congressional Quarterly that shows he voted with Trump 62 percent of the time in 2017.

In a statement before the rally, Donnelly’s campaign manager said the candidate had 22 proposals signed into law by Trump.

“He’s always willing to work with any president who has a good idea to help Hoosiers, but he’s never been, and never will be a rubber stamp for ideas from any administration that are wrong for Indiana,” said Peter Hanscom.