Luke Messer Advances to ‘On the Radar’

Washington — The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Luke Messer as an ‘On the Radar’ candidate, the important first step in the ‘Young Guns’ program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Messer is running for Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District.

“We are looking forward to working with Luke Messer, who has already proven himself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Luke Messer’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to the Democrats’ record of spending, borrowing and taxing that Indiana families and small businesses know has failed.”

Specifically, the ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘On the Radar’ status, Messer has met the first set of these organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has already begun to establish himself as a strong contender. Messer will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the ‘Young Guns’ program and build an effective, winning campaign.

Luke Messer has dedicated his life to community service, promoting conservative principles and making Indiana a better place to raise families. Messer served in the Indiana General Assembly from 2003 to 2006. During that time, he helped Governor Mitch Daniels craft the state’s first honestly balanced budget in eight years without a tax increase. Messer is currently the Executive Director of Hoosiers for Economic Growth (HEG), a privately-funded not-for-profit advocacy group focused on electing state policy leaders who support a positive, pro-growth, education reform agenda for Indiana’s future.