Rubio, Stutzman lead Indiana straw poll
It's unclear whether Republican precinct officials in the Indiana 6th Congressional District gave voters insight into the spring primary during a straw poll Saturday because not many showed up.
Out of 500 precinct officials eligible to vote at the event, only 54 participated — and voted Sen. Marco Rubio as the Republican nominee for president and Rep. Marlin Stutzman as the winner among U.S. Senate hopefuls. Those who were eligible to vote represented voters in 19 Indiana counties.
Rush County GOP Chairman Michael Dora hosted the event in Rushville Consolidated High School's auditorium.
Nate LaMar, Henry County Council president and event organizer, said the turnout was disappointing.
He attributed the lack of participation to the district's large geographical size and a lack of media coverage. He said the vote was conducted in Rush County because of its central location.
LaMar also said that though many from Rush County were in attendance, the vote was limited to precinct officials to get a "more representative cross-section of the district."
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The results showed Rubio winning the GOP presidential primary by a landslide.
The results of the senatorial straw poll were closer. Rep. Todd Young trailed Rep. Marlin Stutzman by just five votes.
Stutzman thanked voters on his Facebook page late Saturday morning.
"We just won the 6th District Republican U.S. Senate Straw Poll! Thanks to our supporters for coming out to Rushville this morning. Another big win for team Stutzman!"
Call IndyStar reporter Olivia Lewis at (317) 444-6126. Follow her on Twitter: @TheWrittenPeace.
Results
Here are the results from the Republican straw poll in the Indiana 6th Congressional District on Saturday in Rushville.
Presidential results
Marco Rubio: 22 votes, 41.5 percent.
Donald Trump: 13 votes, 24.5 percent.
Ted Cruz: 11 votes, 20.7 percent.
Ben Carson: 2 votes, 3.8 percent.
Chris Christie: 2 votes, 3.8 percent.
Carly Fiorina: 2 votes, 3.8 percent.
Jeb Bush: 1 vote, 1.9 percent.
John Kasich: 0 votes.
Rand Paul: 0 votes.
U.S. Senate results
Marlin Stutzman: 22 votes, 40.7 percent.
Todd Young: 17 votes, 31.5 percent.
Eric Holcomb: 15 votes, 27.8 percent.