Central Indiana's delegation, meanwhile, remained largely intact, despite several primary challenges.
Two Republican House members — Kathy Heuer, Columbia City, and Rebecca Kubacki, Syracuse — were defeated by wide margins by Christopher Judy and Curt Nisly, respectively. The incumbents were targeted by social conservative groups after voting against a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
At the same time, conservative groups helped Rep. Eric Turner, the marriage amendment's author, turn back a primary challenge amid an ethics controversy. The Cicero Republican defeated political newcomer Parvin Gillim, an opponent of the gay marriage ban and former president of the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce.
"The overall message is that if you oppose marriage in Indiana, you take huge political risks," said Curt Smith, president of Indiana Family Action. "If you want to thumb your nose at the pro-family groups, you do so at your own risk."
That group ran $12,000 worth of radio ads in the Fort Wayne area targeting Heuer, Kubacki, and a third incumbent, Casey Cox of Fort Wayne. Cox won his three-way primary race.
