Braun Gets US Chamber's Endorsement, But Indiana Chamber Not Siding With Either Senate Candidate

Mike Braun is challenging Indiana Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly.

Indiana U.S. Senate candidates Democrat Joe Donnelly, Republican Mike Braun, and Libertarian Lucy Brenton.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Joe Donnelly’s vote against Republican tax reform last year could end up costing him in the November 2018 election.

The Democratic Indiana U.S. Senator Mike Braun, a businessman in the auto parts industry and a former state lawmaker, is challenging Donnelly on the ballot. On Tuesday, Braun scored the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Through his four decades creating hundreds of good-paying American jobs, Mike Braun knows what it takes to keep American business booming. Mike has the experience and the vision to best represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. Chamber is proud to endorse him and is confident that he can win in November,” said U.S. Chamber Senior Political Strategist Scott Reed.

The organization released an ad attacking Donnelly, one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the Senate up for re-election this year, for voting against the Republican-led tax overhaul.

In a statement, Braun said in building his business he has “jumped over just about every hurdle Washington can put in your path.”

“In the Senate, I’ll use that experience to help Hoosier businesses thrive. I am honored to accept the U.S. Chamber’s endorsement and look forward to working with them to keep our economy roaring,” Braun said.

While he has earned the national chamber’s endorsement, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has yet to endorse Braun or Donnelly in the closely-watched senate race.

Braun is the president and CEO of Meyer Distributing. His campaign says he built the company from a small business in his hometown into a national industry leader with over 900 employees and 65 locations in 39 states.

Polling has suggested that the race is a toss-up. Libertarian candidate Lucy Brenton may factor into the race's outcome by splitting off votes from either candidate.