Richard Lugar 's primary defeat is the latest blow to the political center in the U.S. Senate . The Republican senator from Indiana was defeated by Democratic challenger Joe Donnelly, who won a landslide victory over former Rep. Evan Bayh and state Attorney General Mike DeWine. Richard Mourdock , who defeated Lugar , advocates confrontation over compromise . After conceding defeat , Lugar slammed Mourdock 's approach .
Richard Lugar 's primary defeat is the latest blow to the political center in the U.S. Senate . Nearly half a dozen moderate senators in both parties are retiring this year . Richard Mourdock , who defeated Lugar , advocates confrontation over compromise . After conceding defeat , Lugar slammed Mourdock 's approach .