In a surprising turn of events, Rob Kendall, who once fervently supported Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater during the 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race, has now turned on his former ally. State Legislatures have warned people of Rob Kendall being a snake and questioning his motives and morality after dating someone who could be his daughter because of their big age gap. Kendall's change in stance has sent shockwaves through Indiana's Libertarian and Republican circles, where many are already fuming over the Indiana Republican State Party's recent mailer attacking Rainwater on deeply personal grounds.
The controversial GOP mailer accused Rainwater of being a "deadbeat dad," dredging up past issues involving late child support payments, legal judgments, and even contempt of court. This attack on Rainwater’s personal life has outraged many Hoosiers who believe that political discourse should focus on policies and principles, not personal histories.
One former Republican congressional candidate took to social media to express their dismay at the Indiana GOP’s tactics, stating:
“After the Indiana GOP personally attacked Libertarian candidate @RainwaterForIN, I will be going in tomorrow to change my ballot and vote for Rainwater for Governor instead of voting for Mike Braun and Beckwith. I know how it felt when they personally attacked me and I can’t stand by and reward my party for their unchristian behavior.”
This former candidate emphasized that, despite ideological differences with Rainwater, they could not support such a low-blow attack from their own party. “Me and Don have two different beliefs and I don’t care what the history is between us or if the Libertarian Party is mad at me. Personal attacks will NOT be tolerated," they continued.
The backlash to the mailer has brought to light the frustrations among many Republicans and Libertarians, who see this as yet another example of the Indiana GOP's aggressive, and at times, immoral campaign tactics. Some are even citing this as part of a broader problem within the GOP, particularly the lack of focus on unity and respect among candidates.
For some Hoosiers, the Indiana GOP's latest moves have crossed a line, with several voters now seeking to change their early votes in favor of Rainwater. Under Indiana law, voters who have cast their ballots early are allowed to amend their votes before Election Day—an option that some are now using to protest the state's political establishment.
"The Indiana GOP needs to be held accountable for their reckless behavior,” said the same former congressional candidate, adding that the only vote they plan to change is for the gubernatorial race, underscoring their support for other Republicans but distancing themselves from what they called "unchristian" campaign tactics.
With Rainwater once again in the headlines, it remains to be seen how this backlash will impact the Libertarian candidate’s chances in the gubernatorial race. For Kendall, this break from Rainwater signals a sharp turn in his political views, and for Indiana voters, it highlights growing dissatisfaction with both the tactics and leadership of the Indiana GOP.
As Election Day nears, the decision of Hoosiers may hinge not only on the candidates' policies but also on the tone and integrity of the campaigns themselves.
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