Trump was expected to make an official announcement on his vice-presidential pick Friday, the same day as Pence’s deadline to withdraw from the governor’s race, but he tweeted later Thursday that in light of a deadly incident in Southern France, he would be postponing the announcement.
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On Wednesday, CNN reports that Trump held a series of auditions with Pence and other top contenders including Chris Christie and Newt Gingrich.
Even with sources and multiple news organizations reporting Pence has been offered the job, Trump called into Fox News Thursday night and said he hasn’t “made my final, final decision”.
Below are some of the reasons why selecting Pence makes sense for Trump.
Pence introduced Trump at a stump speech outside of Indianapolis on Tuesday, where he attacked presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, calling her dishonest and untrustworthy.
In a brief news conference Wednesday, Pence said he was “honored” and “humbled” to be considered.
Good to know: Pence says he was a Democrat as a teenager but was converted to the Republican Party after listening to Ronald Reagan speak.
Everyone knows that Trump’s opinion will be the one that matters, but maybe the veep will be the one that gets to pick which Trump’s opinion matters: 1980s Trump, Nancy-Pelosi donor Trump, corporate welfare queen Trump, Reform Party presidential candidate Trump, Planned Parenthood Trump or fuming anti-Muslim isolationist Trump.
Rokita has said he plans to run for governor. Donald Trump might be upset about the tie that Gingrich was wearing when he got off the plane that Sean Hannity sent to fly the former speaker out for his latest meeting with Trump.
A favorite quote highlights how Pence might smooth some of the sharp corners of the Trump campaign and its supporters.
Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore David Long, R- Fort Wayne, and U.S Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Indiana, are just a few of the names being mentioned for filling the vacancy left by Pence if the governor accepts an invitation to run with Trump. The 73-year-old would be the oldest candidate ever to become vice president. Choosing Pence, an ardent conservative with strong credentials, particularly among socially conservative Republicans, could signal that Trump is making an effort to unite the party. “We are prepared for anything and everything that will or won’t happen”, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams told reporters.
Trump won the state anyway, and Cruz dropped out of the Republican race.
He faced sharp criticism previous year after signing a controversial “religious freedom” bill that many believed would allow for discrimination against the LGBT community. Following widespread condemnation, Pence agreed to amend the law to clarify its intent.
In 2014, Pence alarmed local environmental groups by overturning an energy efficiency program enacted by his Republican predecessor, Mitch Daniels, saying it was too expensive for the state’s manufacturers. The legislation also made the receipt, sale or transfer of fetal tissue a felony.
A federal judge later ruled the order “clearly discriminates” against refugees from a particular country.
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After attending Hanover College, Pence graduated from Indiana University Law School in 1986. He and his wife have three children.
