The Early Word: Blocked - NYTimes.com Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana has not had a primary challenger since he first won election, but he now finds himself locked in a fight for the seat he has held for six terms. Republican opposition ensured that a measure pressed by President Obama and Senate Democrats to raise effective tax rates for the superrich would not come to a decisive vote. The obstacles for President Obama in Arizona are considerable, but his aides say a victory is possible in a state that analysts believe is heading Democratic.