Sen. Elect Joe Donnelly Talks Fiscal Cliff

"I'm the hired help I work for all of you," said Joe Donnelly. 

Even though Senator Elect Joe Donnelly hasn't officially began his term he made it clear that his administration has its boots to the ground with the Hoosiers helping Hoosiers tour.

"This was a great chance to have a window to come over here to ft Wayne and spend time with the people who have given countless hours to try and help other people," said Donnely. 

Donnelly took a tour of the Community Harvest Food Bank and even tackled the issue on most American minds--The fiscal cliff

"My expectation and my hope is that we can get an agreement put together from what I've seen there is significant movement on both sides to get this done," said Donnelly.   

While Donnelly remains optimistic that both sides will come to an agreement, he says its an issue that's long overdue.

"I remain hopeful that we are going to be able to get this done.  It is a long process obviously and it's something we should have gotten done a long time ago," said Donnelly. 

Jane Avery, the executive director of the Community Harvest Food Bank is hopeful that Donnelly will pick up where Senator Lugar left off. 

"Over the years he knew and worked with senator Lugar with issues and we feel very good that we aren't loosing anything so to speak," said Avery.    

"Richard Lugar is an American hero and is an American legend.  You can't fill Richard Luger's shoes all I can do is be the best senator I can be by working hard for every Hoosier," said Donnelly.    

Joe Donnelly heads back to Washington on Tuesday and he says that he's ready to put the issue of the fiscal cliff behind.  Donnelly says that he has a close relationship with senator Lugar and will absolutely call upon him for help as needed during his term.  Donnelly said it's like having Joe DiMaggio on speed dial.