Durbin Optimistic About Indiana Senate Race

Illinois’ senior senator is weighing in on a tight race in neighboring Indiana.

Dick Durbin knows the chances of Barack Obama winning the Hoosier state in the presidential race isn’t good. Mitt Romney has a double-digit lead in the Republican leaning state.

However, that doesn’t mean bad news for Joe Donnelly, a Democratic congressman from South Bend. He is in a tight Senate race against Republican Richard Mourdock for Dick Lugar’s old seat.

Durbin said he feels confident about Donnelly joining him in the Senate.

"There are a lot of ticket-splitters in Indiana. Republicans who said they can’t vote for Mourdock because of some of things he’s said," Durbin said. "They find Joe Donnelly to be a good option, a good alternative. We feel good about his race. He still have a lot of work to do. We feel good about his winning in Indiana."

Recent polls show the Donnelly-Mourdock race either tied or with Donnelly a few points ahead.

In a debate last week, Mourdock had to defend controversial comments he made about rape, God and abortion.

The race is being closely watched because it could help tip the balance of power in Washington.