GOP Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan held an Indianapolis fundraiser today and tried to help out Senate candidate Richard Mourdock in the process.

Even before Paul Ryan’s motorcade rolled up to the JW Marriott Democrats were trying to use the Ryan visit to their advantage.  “You know, I think the big problem for Republicans,” said State Democratic Chairman Dan Parker, “is the fact that Paul Ryan exposes how extreme Richard Mourdock is.”  Ryan already shows up in an ad from the campaign of Democrat Joe Donnelly appearing to disagree with Mourdock in an excerpt from a PBS interview.

So while protesters demonstrated outside the hotel.  Mourdock and Ryan met privately before Ryan told the crowd of about 130, “We need this man in the United States Senate.”  The Mourdock campaign couldn’t wait to share.  “It was very strong,” said campaign spokesman Brose McVey, “and I know it was heartfelt.”

It was sideshow for the Republicans who paid a thousand dollars to hear a Ryan speech.  “It’s very sincere, very pointed, and very motivating,” said Chris Altice.  And it’s all money that will be spent elsewhere.  “It’s great that they’re able to raise this money here,” said Indiana GOP spokesman Pete Seat, “and put it to use in the battleground states that will probably determine this election.”

In his speech Paul Ryan said the election of Mourdock is one of two favors he needs from Indiana.  The other one he already got.    It was the Colts defeat of the Vikings yesterday.  The Wisconsin Congressman is a big Green Bay Packer fan.