Indiana GOP panel backs Gov. Pence’s preferred successor

Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb was tapped by the Indiana Republican state committee Tuesday as its choice to run for governor.

U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks and Todd Rokita also sought the GOP nomination for governor, with supporters arguing they were better candidates to extend the GOP’s 12-year hold on the governor’s office.

Holcomb, a 48-year-old former state Republican chairman who has never been elected to office, was only recently appointed lieutenant governor after Pence’s prior running mate stepped down in March.

The committee’s choice will face Democratic nominee John Gregg in the November election.

Holcomb’s connections to Pence and his political work for Daniels gives him strong ties with members of the Republican state committee who’ll pick the new candidate for governor.

“I congratulate Eric Holcomb on his selection and believe that he is the best person to serve as the 51 Indiana Governor”.

Coats recalled standing outside a busy Indianapolis restaurant back when Holcomb was one of his top aides. Party leaders are now scheduled to meet Monday to name a new candidate for lieutenant governor.

“The General Assembly will focus on what the General Assembly wants to focus on”, Holcomb said.

Recent polling has suggested Holcomb would perform worse than the others and he has had issues in the past with fundraising. I look forward to working with Eric toward a GOP victory in November.

Shortly after, Holcomb became the Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen.

“Gov. Pence has made it crystal clear that he will assist me in maintaining control of the governor’s office”, Holcomb said in the email. Jim Tomes. Late last week, however, Pence endorsed Holcomb as his replacement.

Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence will be making a campaign stop in Wisconsin this week.

Brooks and Rokita announced plans to return to their respective congressional districts, but offered congratulations to Holcomb and stated they would work to help his campaign for governor in any way possible.

Prior to receiving the gubernatorial nomination, Eric Holcomb said that, if picked, he would enjoy financial support from Governor Mike Pence – translating into the almost $7.5 million left over in Pence’s gubernatorial campaign fund. “Congratulations to my fried Eric Holcomb on becoming our Republican nominee for governor”, said Bucshon.

“For too many Hoosier families, wages aren’t keeping up and the good paying jobs we are losing aren’t being replaced”, the Democratic candidate said in a news release. It’s going to be a great race.

The 22-member Indiana Republican state committee voted Tuesday to nominate Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb for the state’s top job after the incumbent governor withdrew to become Donald Trump’s running mate.