Pence balances party makeup on state education board

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is adding an Indianapolis Democrat to the State Board of Education following questions over whether the group had too many Republicans.

Pence appointed Gordon Hendry to the board Wednesday. Hendry worked as former Democratic Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson's economic development director and is married to a spokeswoman for the Indiana Democratic Party.

Hendry will take the seat vacated by Republican powerbroker David Shane earlier this month.

The move completes shuffling by Pence to assure compliance with state law.

The Times of Northwest Indiana reported earlier this month that state law prohibits more than six of the 10 appointees belonging to the same party. Pence had said board member Daniel Elsener is an independent, despite a record of donating to and working closely with Republicans.