4A www.jconline.com Jour nal Courier Gov. Mike political future could take a drastic turn this week, with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump coming up against an apparent deadline to decide whether Pence or someone else will be his running mate. Hoosiers and the nation are expected to know by Friday whether Pence will serve as No. 2. Or Trump could make his choice known earlier, on Tuesday, when he visits Central Indiana for a rally and campaign fundraiser.
Trump arrives in the Hoosier state with Pence considered in the top tier of potential vice-presidential picks. But competition still exists, especially from Newt Gingrich, a former House speaker, who rallied with Trump this past week in hio. Pence is widely expected to appear ith Trump at the 7:30 p.m. rally on Tuesday at the Grand ark Events Center in Westfield. However, the Republican governor ould not confirm Friday whether he ould attend, saying only that he would elease details of his schedule soon.
So far, ultimate choice for a running mate has remained anyone's guess. rump will campaign today with a nother potential choice, New Jersey ov. Chris Christie, in Virginia, according to NJ.com. Reports indicate Trump also is considering retired Gen. Michael Flynn, a former member of the Obama a dministration who has been critical of resumptive Democratic presidential ominee Hillary Clinton.
Asked about Pence's potential in joining the ticket, the governor and his campaign staffers have stuck to this line: has been offered. Nothing has een rump appears to be relishing in the peculation about his choice. At his Ohio rally last week, Trump hinted at the potential for picking Gingrich, according to The Washington Post. not saying anything and not elling Newt anything. But I can tell you, i one form or another, Newt Gingrich ill be involved with our government, kay," Trump said according to the news- aper.
On Tuesday, the Trump spotlight will shine on Pence. Prior to the rally, Pence will join Trump at a private fundraiser at the olumbia Club in Downtown Indianapo- is. Then Trump will travel to Westfield. oors to the rally at the events center, 19000 Grand Park Blvd, will open at 4:30 p.m. Pence declined to answer political questions at his most recent public a ppearance on Friday, citing the nation's omber mood following the shootings in allas that left five police officers dead a nd seven officers injured.
This is not the time for Pence said. share our schedule next week. This is really the time for all of us to pause, be reflective, to remember those who came before he possibility of Pence becoming running mate is reminiscent of hen Dan Quayle, a senator from Indiana was selected as President George H.W. vice-presidential candidate in 1988, said Marsha Coats, a Republican national committeewoman a nd wife of U.S. Sen.
Dan Coats. hough Pence's potential selection arries a different dynamic, Coats said. Bush choosing Quayle largely was unexpected. would bring the more conservative, evangelical, traditional wing of the party in the sense of the heartlands, a lot of the Middle-American states, would really like what Mike Pence stands for, and I think Donald Trump needs someone who has Washington experience, which Gov. Pence Coats said.
Some national Republican strategists have gone as far to call Pence the most likely vice presidential pick. And Pence has emerged as an ardent Trump supporter, despite endorsing one of his competitors, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, before May primary. think important for every Republican to get on board (the Trump Pence said at a campaign top this past week.
the end of the day, confident our party is going to ome together. Look, we need change in this country. We truly rump is expected to finalize a vice presidential nominee by week's end, a ccording to one potential pick who with- rew from the process. Sen. Bob Corker Tennessee in an interview with The Washington Postindicated Trump's plans to name a running mate by Friday.
The possibility of Pence becoming running mate could send the I ndiana governor's race into chaos. tate law would require Pence to withdraw his name from the ballot by Friday because he can't run for two offices at the same time. If Pence with- raws from the governor's race, the 2 2-member Indiana Republican State ommittee would have 30 days to select areplacement meaning the selection of a successor to run against Democrat John Gregg could draw out until August. Two high-profile Republicans, House peaker Brian Bosma and U.S. Rep.
Todd okita, have said run if Pence eaves the race. IndyStar reporters James Briggs, Brian Eason and USA TODAY contributed to this story. Call IndyStar reporter Chelsea chneider at (317) 444-6077. Follow er on Twitter: Now decision timefor Trump to pick his veep Chelsea Schneider and Kaitlin Lange Chelsea.Schneider@indystar.com ASSOCIATED PRESS Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is considered a finalist for Donald running mate..