Pence Steers Clear Of Endorsing GOP Candidates

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks in Indianapolis in March on the decision of Carrier to move jobs out of Indiana to Mexico.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks in Indianapolis in March on the decision of Carrier to move jobs out of Indiana to Mexico. AJ Mast / AP Photo
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks in Indianapolis in March on the decision of Carrier to move jobs out of Indiana to Mexico.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks in Indianapolis in March on the decision of Carrier to move jobs out of Indiana to Mexico. AJ Mast / AP Photo

Pence Steers Clear Of Endorsing GOP Candidates

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Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump really wants the endorsement of Indiana Governor Mike Pence leading up to next week’s primary. 

That’s what Trump told CNN on Wednesday morning. 

During a telephone interview with CNN’s New Day, Trump did not seem convinced that Pence would support him or anyone else, however.

“The governor’s a great guy. I met with him. He may not endorse,” Trump said on CNN.

On a stop to an Northwest Indiana high school Wednesday, Pence said that while he’s honored by Trump’s request, he’s more excited by the attention the Hoosier state is getting from the national press. 

“As a Republican only once in my adult life can I recall the nomination being this competitive by the Indiana primary. I think it’s really exciting for Hoosiers,” Pence told WBEZ. “I’m encouraging these candidates in our party to do to get out all across the state of Indiana. All these candidates will be better for the time they spent in Indiana.”

Pence has met individually with Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich during this campaign cycle. Pence says his goal is to have a partner in the White House and is prepared to support the Republican nominee.

“I need someone who will work with us to continue to promote the kinds of policies that will help Indiana grow even faster and make more progress in education and infrastructure and healthcare. I was pleased to hear them all out,” Pence said. “I’m going to be working hard for the Republican nominee and see if we can get that partner in the White House that Indiana deserves.” 

Elsewhere in Indiana, campaigns continue to criss cross the state.

Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton visited Hammond, Indiana earlier this week.

Democrat Bernie Sanders brought his campaign to Purdue University in West Lafayette on Wednesday. He planned to hold a similar rally at Indiana University in Bloomington. 

Texas Senator Ted Cruz introduced Carly Fiorina as his running mate at a rally in Indianapolis. 

Trump, meanwhile, was scheduled to hold his second rally in Indianapolis on Wednesday night. 

WBEZ Reporter Michael Puente covers Northwest Indiana. Follow him on Twitter @MikePuenteNews.