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Democratic Groups Go After Young in Indiana Senate Race

Republican faces onslaught of negative ads over finances

Indiana Senate candidate Rep. Todd Young has been the target of a spew of new ads by groups supporting his Democratic challenger former Sen. Evan Bayh. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Indiana Senate candidate Rep. Todd Young has been the target of a spew of new ads by groups supporting his Democratic challenger former Sen. Evan Bayh. (Al Drago/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Recent ad attacks by outside groups supporting Democrat Evan Bayh’s Senate bid target the financial offenses of Republican opponent Rep. Todd Young.

Young had several money issues during his time in the House, including taking improper tax deductions on his rental home in Bloomington, Indiana, and bouncing a check when making a payment on delinquent property taxes, The Associated Press reported.

The ads come as Bayh, who previously held the Senate seat for two terms, has himself taken a number of hits in the tossup race, which could determine which party controls the Senate. Recent hits have targeted his post-Senate work with a Washington law and lobbying firm, The Indianapolis Star reported. 

He’s also been accused of losing touch with Indiana residents. The ads targeted his old Senate votes that aligned with the financial world from which he was seeking employment before his term even ended.

The pro-Bayh ads criticize Young’s use of more than $500,000 on taxpayer-financed mailers, more than any other Indiana congressional delegate since 2010. 

Other “missteps” cited include a $30,000 fine by the FEC for accepting nearly $100,000 in excessive contributions during Young’s first campaign, and a $5,000 civil penalty for failing to report large contributions within the 48-hour time period.

[Senate Majority PAC Comes to Bayh’s Aid in Indiana Senate Race]

These new attack ads on Bayh’s behalf are not the first of this election cycle. In September, the Senate Majority PAC dropped $700,000 on an ad criticizing Young’s views on Social Security. 

Overall, nearly $30 million has been spent by the two candidates and outside groups supporting them.

The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call changed the race rating in September from Tilts Democrat to Tossup

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