Did Donald Trump Just Meet With His Future Vice President?
Anticipation for Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting Donald Trump’s announcement of his running mate has reached a fever pitch.
Tuesday, FOX News suspended former Speaker Newt Gingrich as a correspondent, fueling speculation that he might be the businessman’s pick for vice president. But then Indiana Gov. Mike Pence appeared later that evening at a campaign rally in his home state.
The Pence for Veep speculation grew even more Wednesday morning when the governor met once again with Trump, this time in private, at the Indiana Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis. The two were joined by the presidential candidate’s daughter, Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and sons Eric and Donald Jr.
Gingrich told FOX News the announcement of a running mate would happen “Wednesday or Thursday,” while other media outlets are reporting sources who say the announcement will come Friday. If the pick is Pence, it would be a game changer for the 2016 presidential election.
Prior to serving as Governor of Indiana, he first served for 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, rising quickly to the rank of Chairman of the House Republican Conference. Trump has said he was seeking a running mate who could help get his agenda pushed through Congress.
Pence is a devout evangelical Christian, and signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law last year. He’s also been a strong defender of biblical marriage, and is a strong advocate for responsible government fiscal policy.
Many evangelical faith leaders have been holding out their support for Trump, waiting to see who he nominates as his potential vice president. Picking the governor would likely remove many obstacles with those holdouts.
But, there could be a double edge to Trump’s offer. Pence is currently up for re-election in November, but would be barred from appearing twice on the ballot by state law, if he were selected as Trump’s running mate. State law also limits governors to two four-year terms.
If there is to be a change in the gubernatorial ballot in Indiana, it must be done by Friday.
