Colwell: Todd Young is no Herschel Walker. For some Hoosier voters, that's a problem.

Todd Young is no Herschel Walker.

And that’s why a significant segment of Hoosier Republicans is reluctant to support Young, the Republican senior senator from Indiana.

Unlike Walker, Young hasn’t:

∙ Lied about having a college degree. Young really did graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and earn an Indiana University law degree.

∙ Falsified his background. He really did serve in the U.S. Marines, practice law in Paoli with his wife and serve in the House before election to the Senate.

∙ Abandoned his four children or been accused of threatening to shoot and kill his wife. None of the kids have denounced him.

But because he is no Herschel Walker, some Hoosier Republicans are reluctant to support Young. That’s a factor in some surprising polls showing a close race between Young and Democratic challenger Tom McDermott, who bravely entered a contest in which the experts predicted a landslide for Young in a red state carried big twice by Donald Trump.

Those polls weren’t showing lack of overwhelming Republican voter support for Young because he is no Herschel Walker in terms of scandal, candor or morality. It’s because he is no Herschel Walker in terms of endorsement by Trump.

Trump endorsed Walker. He declined to endorse Young. For some in the MAGA base that’s all that matters.

Let’s be clear about some important aspects of this Senate race.

First, Young still is expected to win. That’s why Democrats at the national level haven’t poured funds into Indiana to seek a Senate seat they wrote off to concentrate resources where it matters most. Nor have Republicans poured in massive aid in fear that Young really could lose.

Both national parties and the pundits see many of the reluctant Republicans coming home in sufficient numbers for Young to prevail even if there is a larger than usual Democratic turnout. And Young could get some Democratic votes.

Second, the polling showing a potentially close race isn’t just because Young is no Herschel Walker.

The Supreme Court abortion decision and the strict anti-abortion law passed by the Republican-controlled state legislature is a factor in enhancing Democratic prospects.

Third, McDermott deserves credit for waging a determined effort, even with almost no funding and seemingly no hope at the start. He still lags way behind Young in funding. But he remained in the picture to take advantage of what now for Democrats is a brighter picture.

More:Indiana Senate debate: Young defends his record as McDermott goes on the offensive

McDermott got early attention with advocacy of legalizing marijuana, something now with increased approval in polls.

More:Colwell: Young overcame Senate tribalism to win passage of 'Chips and Science Act'

Democrats were wise to find a willing nominee in a bleak situation who actually could do well if a close race really developed. McDermott is no Herschel Walker.

The five-term mayor of Hammond long has been viewed as a possibly strong statewide candidate for senator or governor. He is a Notre Dame Law School graduate and a former Navy submariner.

Back to Trump declining to endorse Young. Why? Why when Young has conservative voting credentials, with high ratings from conservative groups? He supported Trump consistently in Senate votes, including for confirming the three Trump nominees for the Supreme Court, something McDermott now stresses.

More:Colwell: No Trump nod, but no primary opponent, sets Todd Young on path to reelection

Young supported Trump for reelection.

But Young voted to accept the Electoral College results. That was it for Trump. He didn’t find a challenger to Young in the Republican primary, but he wouldn’t endorse Young either.

There was more to displease Trump and some of the most-MAGA of the base. Young described Marjorie Taylor Greene, the spouter of QAnon conspiracy theories and a Trump favorite, as “nutty.”

He even championed a bipartisan measure to complete in technology with China. A slip to hated bipartisanship.

Todd Young is no Herschel Walker. Nor is Tom McDermott. What a sad situation that is for some of the Trumpiest voters who would prefer Herschel.

Jack Colwell is a columnist for The Tribune. Write to him in care of The Tribune or by email at jcolwell@comcast.net.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Some Hoosier Republicans reluctant to support Todd Young