Indiana Republicans have chosen the state’s lieutenant governor, Eric Holcomb, to replace vice presidential nominee Mike Pence on the ballot in the state’s competitive gubernatorial race this fall.
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Overall, Republicans likely still are favored in the race despite Pence’s departure to become GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate, Helmke said. Todd Rokita and Susan Brooks and State Sen.
Now, Eyewitness News is waiting to hear who Lt. Gov. Holcomb will choose as his running mate for his current position of Lt. Governor.
Republican Party rules gave each of the candidates three minutes to speak before the state committee.
Brooks and Rokita had argued they were in better positions to beat the Democratic opponent, John Gregg, with more campaign cash, name recognition and election wins.
“Today, 22 voting members of our state committee came together and made a historic vote to fill a gubernatorial ballot vacancy, something that has not happened in recent history”.
“I am speaking for myself, that I have had discussions with the governor and I look forward to his support”, Holcomb said. The people of IN do not want another four years of a Mike Pence puppet show, tugging on the strings of hardworking Hoosiers. State Senator Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) also entered the pool of potential replacements, however Tomes was not up for re-election this year. Both said they were not interested in the lieutenant governor’s seat.
Holcomb insists his focus is on economic development issues.
He declined to adopt the social issues “truce” that once was proclaimed by his former boss, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, and suggested he will not interfere with the Republican-controlled General Assembly if lawmakers propose new restrictions on abortion, immigration and other hot-button issues.
Brooks probably was the candidate who would have created the most trouble for Gregg’s campaign.
U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, for whom Holcomb worked as an aide, said the candidate is “the best person to serve as the 51st IN governor”.
State committee member Kyle Hupfer of Madison County, who is supporting Holcomb, said the lieutenant governor benefits from long ties with GOP leaders.
Upon becoming the nominee, Holcomb was less specific when asked about Pence’s campaign cash.
Pence picked Holcomb after his 2012 running mate, Sue Ellspermann, resigned in March, and endorsed him for governor last week.
“We’ll play it as it comes to my desk, should I be honored with being the next governor”, Holcomb said.
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Gregg said Holcomb “wholeheartedly embraced the failed approach that embarrassed our state, cost us jobs and has left the middle class behind”. It’s going to be a great race. U.S. Representative Susan Brooks was another name with strong backing, including from former Angie’s List CEO Bill Oesterle.
