Lugar-Mourdock Debate: Four Things To Watch

Lugar-Mourdock Debate: Four Things To Watch:
Sen. Richard Lugar and Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock will debate for the first and only time this evening in Indianapolis. Here are the four most important things to watch:

Lugar's residency problem: This has been the dominant topic of discussion in the race during the last two months. Lugar can't seem to shake the local media's coverage of it, even as he has sought and received legal cover from the appropriate state agencies. Even Lugar allies privately acknowledge they wish his team had handled it better.

For those who have not been following it: Lugar is registered to vote from the address of an Indiana home he sold in 1977. He lives in northern Virginia.

Lugar's residency is not a slated topic of discussion, but could still be weaved into the conversation.

"This year's debate will be focusing on critical topics -- jobs and the economy, international affairs and other pressing domestic issues of the day," said Indiana Debate Commission President Max Jones. "Voters will be able to ask their questions directly, but we will also offer videotape options and questions submitted via Facebook."

How well Lugar diffuses the issue will be huge when it comes up. If it dominates tomorrow's local paper headlines, he will have failed to turn the page once again.