Top Indiana Republicans Rally Behind Max Engling in Secretary of State Race

Party leaders have shifted support to pressure delegates to back Engling as the GOP seeks a more electable nominee ahead of the state convention.

Overview

Max Engling announced his candidacy for Indiana secretary of state and said he will contact delegates directly to win the Republican nomination.
U.S. Sen. Jim Banks formally withdrew his endorsement of incumbent Diego Morales and endorsed Engling, calling him a strong conservative who can win in November.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita also withdrew his support for Morales and publicly asked Morales to suspend his campaign while urging delegates to hear Engling out.
Other GOP members, including Reps. Jim Baird and Victoria Spartz, have endorsed or urged support for Engling as party leaders seek to consolidate behind one nominee.
With about three weeks until the Republican state convention, the contest now centers on delegate persuasion and the party’s effort to present a candidate it believes can beat Democrat Beau Bayh in November.