Pence names Daniels aide to be budget chief

Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has tapped one of his top campaign aides and a veteran of Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration to lead the state's budget office.

Pence announced Monday that Chris Atkins would serve as his budget director. Atkins helped Pence draw up his policy proposals on the campaign trail and crafted tax policy with Daniels before joining the campaign.

Atkins fills a top post for Pence as the new governor continues building his new administration. Longtime Pence chief of staff Bill Smith is leading the Pence transition team.

Atkins is likely to have his hands full working on Pence's first budget submission to state lawmakers and finding support for Pence's proposed personal income tax cut. Lawmakers plan to spend much of the 2013 session working on Indiana's next biennial budget.