Rokita won't debate GOP primary opponents Messer and Braun in event held by independent commission

WASHINGTON — Only two of the three Republicans running for the Senate will participate in an April 30 debate sponsored by the Indiana Debate Commission.

Rep. Todd Rokita declined, citing scheduling conflicts and the desire to only participate in primary debates "organized and moderated by conservative Republicans," according to the commission.

The nonpartisan group said Rokita is the first candidate in the commission's 10-year history to decline to participate in one of its debates.

Commission president Gerry Lanosga said he's disappointed in Rokita's decision, but pleased that Rep. Luke Messer and former state Rep. Mike Braun will participate.

"A contested primary should be heavily vetted by Hoosier voters and not by partisans, party officials or special interest groups," Lanosga said in a statement. "A neutral option, such as one offered by the Indiana Debate Commission, makes the most sense."

Rokita said Friday he will be participating in an April 23 debate sponsored by the Allen County GOP and moderated by WOWO host Pat Miller, whom Rokita called a "trusted conservative voice."

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His campaign said Rokita doesn't want "gotcha questions from liberal media figures, liberal college professors, or other parties interested in attacking Republicans and re-electing Joe Donnelly."

"He looks forward to sharing his message with as many Hoosier conservatives as possible between now and election day," campaign manager Bryan Reed said in a statement.

Messer's campaign manager said the primary is an audition for the strongest candidate to defend the Trump-Pence agenda without making mistakes.

"Todd Rokita's campaign knows he's a weak debater, gaffe-prone, and with too much public exposure he'll likely destroy his own campaign," campaign manager Chasen Bullock said in a statement.

All three candidates participated in a Feb. 20 debate sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots arm of the political network affiliated with billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch.

The April 30 debate will come shortly before Indiana's May 8 primary. Voters will decide which of the GOP candidates will face Donnelly in the fall.

Messer and Braun will debate for an hour in a studio at public television station WFYI. The debate will be made available to television stations and other news organizations throughout the state.

The moderator will be Abdul Hakim-Shabazz, an Indiana blogger, radio host and attorney.

The format has not been determined. Voters will have a chance to submit questions through the commission's website: www.indianadebatecommission.com.

At the February debate, questions were focused on the economy, jobs, taxes, spending infrastructure and health care.

Rokita went after his opponents early and often.

Messer tried to stay “laser-focused” on defeating U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly.

And Braun tried repeatedly to paint the other two as career politicians who are part of the problem in Washington, D.C.

Contact Maureen Groppe at mgroppe@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @mgroppe.