Indiana Gov. Mike Pence
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has named Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate. Trump made the announcement this Friday morning on Twitter, following days of speculation that also included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as potential vice presidential candidates.
Marquette University Law School political scientist Charles Franklin called the decision to go with Pence a way to “reassure” some of the more conservative members of the GOP – many of which have strong reservations about Trump’s candidacy. “Pence reassures them in ways that Gingrich or, especially Chris Christie, would not reassure them.”
AUDIO: Charles Franklin this Pence will reassure some conservatives (:54)
Franklin says there are some conflicts between Pence and Trump – such as the Indiana governor’s past support for free trade agreements. “There are some difficulties in there in fitting that with the Trump message.”
The announcement of Pence was met with praise from several Wisconsin Republicans. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville, who was the GOP vice presidential candidate in 2012, said in a statement that “Pence comes from the heart of the conservative movement — and the heart of America. I can think of no better choice for our vice-presidential candidate.”
Hillary for America chair John Podesta said in the statement that Trump “doubled down on some of his most disturbing beliefs by choosing an incredibly divisive and unpopular running mate known for supporting discriminatory politics and failed economic policies that favor millionaires and corporations over working families.”
Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has not yet announced her running mate.