Republicans close to the campaign say Trump and his team are considering announcing his running mate pick next week ahead of the convention to try to get maximum media buzz from the move.
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“The list goes on and on with people who’ve had experience, now and past, in state government, and who would well represent our party”, said Allen County Republican Party Chairman Steve Shine, who says Republicans would have no shortage of options.
CNN producer Noah Gray tweeted that Gingrich, a close adviser to Trump and considered to be on his shortlist of running mate candidates, will appear with Trump in Ohio. A Trump campaign official confirmed that Ernst was being vetted as a possible option for vice president. The Tennessee Republican offered to help Trump develop a coherent foreign policy platform, and soon found himself conferring with Trump and his campaign staff. Corker is among the wealthiest members of Congress, which could help him relate to Trump, but could also weight the ticket too heavily towards wealthy men.
Others on the list include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Iowa Sen. Trump spent time with Pence and his family on Sunday and was due to meet Ernst in New Jersey on Monday.
Donald Trump tweeted nice things about Iowa Sen.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump reportedly had a “good conversation” with pro-life Senator Joni Ernst about becoming his vice-presidential running mate, the Iowa senator said after meeting with the businessman.
“Mike Pence is a great guy, he certainly would help in terms of party unity”, said Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
And breaking the tradition of secrecy surrounding the veep selection process, Trump is publicly parading around and talking about those who he might pick.
“She has shown herself in one-and-a-half years in the United States Senate to be an outstanding leader”, says Grassley.
Ernst, meanwhile, came onto the political scene in the 2014 midterm elections – gaining national attention when she compared her plans for Washington to castrating pigs on Iowa farms.
“I will continue to share my insights with Donald about the need to strengthen our economy, keep our nation safe, and ensure America is always a strong, stabilizing force around the globe”. Susan Brooks and Todd Rokita, state House Speaker Brian Bosma – who has not been coy about his gubernatorial ambitions – and Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, who was recently appointed by Pence to replace Sue Ellspermann, who stepped down from the post in March.
Those inside the Trump campaign are also looking at Pence because of his resume.
Gingrich, the former House speaker, was critical of Trump – but also laid out a hypothesis for the campaign against Hillary Clinton – on stage at the Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado on Saturday. I know what it’s like to deal with congressmen.
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“I like Governor Pence, but I think he should kind of finish what he’s got here and stick in the race for the governor”, Michael Shroyer said.
