Holcomb takes the place on the November ballot that was reserved for Gov. Mike Pence, who is now Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s running mate.
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“Once Pence had endorsed him, I think he became the favorite”, said Paul Helmke, a professor of practice at Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, left, is greeted by vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence, R-Ind., as he arrives for a campaign rally, Monday, July 25, 2016, in Winston-Salem, N.C.
A 22-member state GOP committee on Tuesday picked Holcomb over Congresswoman Susan Brooks, Congressman Todd Rokita, and State Senator Jim Tomes.
In his comments about the race ahead, Holcomb stated that he will continue to work to move IN forward, just as he believes Pence and former Gov. Mitch Daniels have done over the past 11 years.
As Hoosier political observers know, Pence alienated many Hoosiers with his anti-civil-rights Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and infuriated many others with his support for an overly restrictive anti-abortion bill that has failed one court challenge already and awaits another.
Talking to reporters at an event on Tuesday, Gregg wouldn’t speak directly to the selection of Holcomb, only saying the issues remain the same, and he’s always wanted to serve as Indiana’s governor.
“It’s been an honor to do both”, said Holcomb.
In 2000, Holcomb ran for office in the Indiana House of Representatives and was defeated by Democratic incumbent John Frenz. “Whereas, the others who have sought this just haven’t had that connectivity with the state committee”.
But now some elections experts are questioning how much of Pence’s campaign largess can be transferred to Holcomb under federal rules that apply to Pence now that he is running for federal office.
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell declined to release the vote tally that led to Holcomb’s selection.
Pence is slated to campaign Wednesday night in Ryan’s home state. Each of these leaders is talented, hard-working and committed to improving the lives of all Hoosiers.
And that’s why John Gregg has to feel right now that Christmas this year in fact did come in July. So far, no one in the 5th district has expressed an interest in filling the space, but two people in the 4th district have filed the paperwork expressing their interest. “We’ll obviously be working the state as I have over the last decade”. Holcomb appears to go hand in hand with Pence with his ultra right wing conservative views.
The committee’s choice will face Democratic nominee John Gregg in the November election.
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The state committee will meet again on August 1 to choose a candidate for lieutenant governor.
