Hoosiers react to Trump-Pence ticket
MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (FOX 32 News) - After days of speculation, Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump made it official and formally announced Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.
The announcement came Saturday morning after the Midwest governor was seen travelling to New York City late in the week.
“I answered this call for two reasons. First, because I know from firsthand experience that strong Republican leadership can bring about real change, just like we've seen in the Hoosier state. And secondly, because Hillary Clinton must never become President of the United States of America," said Pence who called himself a Christian, Conservative and Republican - in that order.
Most we talked to in Northwest Indiana were surprised to see Trump choose their governor, who was running for re-election, but has had to back out of his gubernatorial campaign to be Trump’s running mate.
Pence arrived home to a warm welcome in Zionsville hours after the formal announcement and spoke to a crowd of 200.
“Let me say form my heart, having spent some time with the next President of the United States, Donald Trump is a good and he will make a great President of this nation,” said Pence.
Some voters don’t mind the idea of a VP Pence.
“I do think Pence could bridge a little bit,” said Shari Weir of Indiana.
Others wonder if he is really the best candidate.
“My problem with the choice of Pence is it to satisfy the party rather than to satisfy the people of the country?” said Indiana resident Joyce Bunnell.
Voters we talked to in Northwest Indiana say the governor was good at one thing - saving money - maybe too good at it.
“Yes we had a good size of money saved, but he did nothing with the money,” said Bunnell.
“I don't mean to spend it foolishly, but do what you have to do for the whole state not just for Indianapolis,” said Indiana voter Thelma Troumouliaris.
The Indiana Republican State Committee will meet later this month to choose Pence's replacement on the ballot.