(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File).
Advertisement
Sources familiar with campaign operations cautioned that while Pence and Gingrich were finalists, Trump could always have a last-minute change of heart and choose someone else from his short list.
Pence, Chris Christie and Gingrich were said to be the final contenders for vice presidential candidate on the Republican ticket less than a week before the GOP meets in Cleveland for the formal nomination.
Since the “Veepstakes” came to IN and the final, frenzied push for Donald Trump to pick a running mate. This morning Mrs. Pence and I put out a breakfast spread late last night, went out and clipped some flowers and served coffee and a warm breakfast this morning and just had good conversation as a family. His staff have not released details of any other planned appearances on Thursday.
Currently, Pence is running against Democrat John Gregg.
The Republican Party Committee then has 30 days to name a replacement candidate for the governor’s race.
Pence and Gingrich would be welcome picks among anxious Republican officials already gathering in Cleveland for next week’s convention. His campaign chair, Paul Manafort, is now in Cleveland, and none of his children are in the state with him.
In what has been an unusually public process, Mr Trump, 70, sat down on Wednesday with both Mr Pence and Mr Gingrich separately in Indianapolis. The former Georgia congressman praised Mr Trump for running a “very fair, open process” and said he looked forward to learning of the businessman’s decision.
He told CNN earlier Thursday that he expects to be informed of the decision around 1-2 p.m, and tweeted that he will do a Facebook live to discuss the matter at 2 p.m.
Trump and his new running mate will make their first appearance as a team Friday in NY.
Jason Miller, Trump’s senior communications adviser, added: “A decision has not been made by Mr. Trump. Many GOP strategists say Trump – who has struggled to stay on message in recent months amid missteps and controversies – needs a running mate who can defend him from a deluge of attacks and negative media attention”, the daily said. “My strength is totally different: I’m an outsider”.
“The political advisers and the consultants are favoring Mike Pence, but the Trump children are in Newt Gingrich’s camp”, said IndyStar columnist Tim Swarens.
But the Governor has had a couple of missteps as Indiana’s chief executive.
“I tell you, Chris Christie is somebody I’ve liked a long time; he’s a total professional”.
Trump took notice of Pence during the IN primary, noting that the governor had high praise for him despite endorsing one of his rivals.
In a highly unusual campaign dispute, Donald Trump is seeking $10 million in damages from his former political consultant Sam Nunberg, arguing Nunberg violated the nondisclosure agreement almost every Trump employee is required to sign.
Whether he speaks as a candidate for vice president or as simply a supporter remains to be seen.
Advertisement
Hours later, Newt Gingrich, another finalist, was seen with Mr Trump’s entourage at a central Indianapolis hotel.
