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Republican U. S. Senate candidate Richard Mourdock is greeted by supporter Johanna Fultz as he makes a campaign stop Monday, May 7, 2012, at Immanuel Reformed Presbyterian Church near Battle Ground, Ind. Fultz traveled from Logansport to see Mourdock. Mou Journal & Courier, John Terhune, Associated Press
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Sen. Richard Lugar responds to a question during his visit to Wesley Manor Monday, May 7, 2012, in Frankfort, Ind. Lugar is being challenged by two-term state Treasurer Richard Mourdock, Darron Cummings, Associated Press
By Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Longtime Republican Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar says he's counting on independents to help him win the fight of his political life.

The six-term senator faces a challenge from tea party-backed state Treasurer Richard Mourdock in Tuesday's Indiana primary.

Lugar met with more than a dozen ward and precinct committee members Tuesday at a restaurant on Indianapolis' north side.

He says he's optimistic because of reports of independent voters around the state crossing over to vote for him in the primary.

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Lugar says he won't consider running as an independent in November if loses Tuesday's primary. He says it would be difficult under Indiana law to mount a third-party candidacy this late in the campaign season.

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