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Pence to call supporters; may signal 2012 plans

Associated Press
May 2, 2011
Keywords
Elected Officials, Elections, Government, Government & Economic Development, Governor, State Government
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Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Pence is planning a private conference call with supporters this week, fueling speculation that he will make an announcement soon on whether he'll run for Indiana governor in 2012.

Pence had scheduled the private call for Monday at 10 a.m., but campaign spokesman Matt Lloyd said the call has been postponed until later this week because of the news of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Most political observers expect Pence — an outspoken conservative who said earlier this year he would not run for president — to run for governor.

"If he's not running, that will be the surprise," said Andy Downs, director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Should he decide to run, Pence would enter the race with name recognition, a network of supporters and cash that could help him clear the field of other Republicans considering a campaign. Pence has traveled the state and spoken at several Lincoln Day dinners, and planned to speak to students at Pendleton Heights High School Monday.

"He certainly deserves the title of frontrunner at this point in time," Downs said.

Republican businessman Jim Wallace of Fishers has said he's exploring the possibility of running for governor.

Among Democrats, many consider former House Speaker John Gregg a leading potential candidate. Gregg has said he plans to form an exploratory committee but hasn't made a formal announcement yet. U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly has also been mentioned, but he's considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Richard Lugar. Former Sen. Evan Bayh and Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel both have declined to run.

Current Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels cannot seek a third consecutive term and is expected to make a decision within weeks on whether he'll run for president. Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman is not running for governor.


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  1. something to take iman's mind off CART,,,the league itsownself doesn't do it

  2. Someone mentioned a green roof. Every designer of a new urban building should be required to at least explore the feasibility of a green roof. The ability to cut carbon dioxide, save precious rainwater (drought this summer??) and re-use grey water, cool the building cheaper, and improve the view for neighbors, should be, not only the good neighbor thing to do, it should be the responsible neighbor thing to do. Too bad the city didn't require it when they gave up downtown green space for the Simon Building. Surprised they aren't requiring it now.

  3. About the same means down, like the TV ratings.

    My favorite tradition that needs to be brought back is the 25/8 rule.

  4. Your stats are incorrect. The 85k Government employees working in Marion County includes all government workers in Marion county. That is state, federal, non profit agencies, city and county. The stats the article list is the number of employees for all of the city/county employees and it is correct. That number includes the library, airport, convention center, and so on. The policy of extending benefits to domestic partners is consistent with private sector companies of the same size. Isn't the mantra of most conservatives "run the government like a business."

    Also, too say the "fiscal proposil is huge" without considering the actuarial factors involved is a bit of an overstatement. We really don't know if it is huge or not. If all of the people added to the plan are healthy and don't have claims then it could bring cost done or hold them neutral.

  5. There are 85,346 government employees in Marion county according to Stats Indiana.

    My understanding is that this proposal covers not only same sex partners and children, but opposite same sex partners who are not married and any kids.

    It also covers all city and county employees, plus municipal corporations which use city/county benefits packages including Health and Hospital Corporation (Wishard), Indianapolis Airport Authority, Indianapolis Convention Center,Lucas Oil,Bankers Life, Indianapolis Marion County Library, and Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo).

    Certainly Indianapolis Public Schools will also want more benefits also.

    The fiscal cost on this proposal is huge.

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