This is an unbiased comparison of the political positions and policies of senate election candidates Joe Donnelly and Richard Mourdock in Indiana. Donnelly, a Democrat defeated Repubican Richard Mourdock in the hotly contested race.

Comparison chart

Joe Donnelly versus Richard Mourdock comparison chart
Edit this comparison chartJoe DonnellyRichard Mourdock
  • current rating is 3.77/5
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(73 ratings)
  • current rating is 2.67/5
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(64 ratings)
Introduction (from Wikipedia) Joseph Simon "Joe" Donnelly, Sr. (born September 29, 1955) is the U.S. Representative for Indiana's 2nd congressional district, serving since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Donnelly announced Monday May 9, 2011, that he would run for t Richard E. Mourdock (born October 8, 1951) is an American politician. He is currently serving as the 53rd Treasurer of State of the U.S. State of Indiana. A Republican, he began his four year term on February 10, 2007 and was re-elected in November 2
Alma mater University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Law School Ball State University, Defiance College
Political party Democratic Republican
Spouse(s) Jill Donnelly Marilyn Mourdock
Born Joseph Simon Donnelly, (1955-09-29) September 29, 1955 (age 56), Flushing, Queens, New York Richard E. Mourdock, (1951-10-08) October 8, 1951 (age 60), Wauseon, Ohio, U.S.
Preceded by Chris Chocola Tim Berry
Website http://www.joeforindiana.com/home Mourdock for Senate
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Economic Policy

Social Security

Tax Policy

Social Policy

Abortion

Mourdock and Donnelly both say they believe that life begins at conception and that they oppose women having the right to choose an abortion. Donnelly has said that he favors making an exception in cases of rape, incest and life of the mother. Mourdock, on the other hand, has said he would only make an exception if the life of the mother was at risk.

Gay Rights

Domestic Policy

Education Policy

Gun Control

Energy Policy

International Policy

Trade

Energy Policy

Immigration

Iraq

Afghanistan

Debates

The first debate was held on October 15, 2012 in Indianapolis. The final debate was held on October 23 and was notable for the controversy that erupted after Mourdock's remarks on abortion during the debate.[1] While both candidates said they believe life begins at conception and oppose abortion rights, Donnelly has said he prefers making exceptions in cases of rape, incest and to save the life of the mother. However, Mourdock said he would only make exceptions if the life of the mother was in danger. “Life is that gift from God. I think that even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something God intended to happen,” Mourdock said, his voice thick with emotion.

Opinion Polls

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Joe
Donnelly (D) 		Richard
Mourdock (R)
Rasmussen Reports October 10-11, 2012 42% 47%
Howey Politics/DePauw University September 19-23, 2012 40% 38%
Global Strategy Group September 10-12, 2012 45% 42%
Market Research Insight August 6-9, 2012 39% 41%
Rasmussen Reports July 31-August 1, 2012 40% 42%
Rasmussen Reports May 23-24, 2012 42% 42%
Howey Politics/DePauw University March 26-28, 2012 35% 35%

References

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