Mediaboss Marketing

ANDERSON Democrat Joe Donnelly kicked off the second day of his re-election bid to the U.S. Senate proclaiming that the nation is stronger when everyone all works together.

Donnelly drew a crowd on Monday of more than 100 local Democrats at the United Auto Workers Local 1963 union hall in Anderson.

Before the rally began, members of the UAW asked several Republicans at the event to leave the parking lot because it was a private event.

Donnelly is seeking a second term in the U.S. Senate in what is expected to be a hotly contested election with several Republicans already announced as potential candidates seeking the GOP nomination in the May primary.

In his announcement comments, Donnelly stressed how he has worked with Republicans in Indiana and in the Congress to make the world safer and to bring prosperity to the nation.

There is no place for white supremacy, neo-Nazis and the KKK in the United States, Donnelly said of the recent events around the country. Thats not who we are and not what weve ever been. Were in this together.

Donnelly said the nation is stronger when everyone works together.

Provide a change for everyones hopes and dreams to come true, he said. Thats why Im running for re-election.

Donnelly said his job is to be a voice in Washington for Indiana farmers, small-business owners and working mothers.

There is a lot more wisdom in Anderson, Indiana, than there is in Washington, D.C., he said. Our best days are ahead, if we work together.

Donnelly said he worked with Republicans to provide more services to veterans and to combat the opiate epidemic that is sweeping the nation.

When asked if the 2018 election would be a referendum on the administration of President Donald Trump, Donnelly said he hopes it is a referendum on Indiana.

Its our Senate seat, he said. My focus is on Indiana.

Donnelly admitted it will be a tough race in 2018 because Indiana tends to lean Republican.

But all of the folks in our state are focused on the issues, he said. Were not a state that is focused on the next trend or next fancy thing. Our focus is on better jobs and the opportunities that are created.

Donnelly said he believes voters who cast ballots in 2016 for Republican Donald Trump are Joe Donnelly voters.

We all want the same thing: good jobs, a good education for our children, and that their voice counts.

My job is to work with the president, he said. When the president wants to work with me to end outsourcing of jobs and to end the opiate epidemic, Im on board. Its always better to work together."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.

More:
Donnelly vows to work with Republicans, Trump - The Herald Bulletin