Indiana Governor Mike Pence is reportedly being considered for Donald Trump’s running mate (Getty)
“Donald Trump is planning to announce that Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is his choice for his vice presidential running mate, according to a Republican with direct knowledge of the decision,” Roll Call said, adding that Trump liked Pence’s calm demeanor, his Capitol Hill experience, and their general chemistry.
The day before Donald Trump announces his VP choice, the Republican National Committee has released a convention speakers list, and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is not on the list. And now Roll Call is reporting through a source that Pence is the pick.
Speculation that Pence could be Trump’s choice as running mate was widely speculated in the media the past week. Trump has said he’s announcing his VP at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 15.
I will be making the announcement of my Vice Presidential pick on Friday at 11am in Manhattan. Details to follow.
A Pence campaign official was also spotted on a plane to New York on July 14:
Spotted on a flight to New York this morning: @marc_lotter Deputy Campaign Chief for @mike_pence #PenceWatch @rtv6 @RafaelOnTV #veepstakes
Indeed, the other named finalists for VP are speaking. They include:
Newt Gingrich is planning to learn Trump’s VP decision this afternoon, according to a CNN political reporter:
Newt Gingrich tells me he expects to get VP decision around 1 or 2 pm today #veepstakes
However, Gingrich also said he wouldn’t be surprised if Pence was the choice:
Newt Gingrich on his gut feeling on VP: “I would not be at all surprised if it was Pence.”
See the full list released July 14 by the RNC (note that it’s being called a partial list subject to change and addition):
Your full list of RNC Convention speakers #RNCinCLE:
Does that mean that the ticket will be Trump/Pence? Trump is an unpredictable candidate, so that’s anybody’s guess. However, some people are wondering:
Pence was one of the VP possibilities who met with Trump recently at his New Jersey golf course. The Indiana governor would add some strengths to a Trump ticket, including social conservative credentials and insider knowledge on Capitol Hill. Trump and his family were also spotted July 13 at Pence’s home.
They were also spotted together at a July 12 fundraiser:
In tonight’s @CNNPolitics Nightcap, sneaky photo from inside Trump/Pence fundraiser tonight:
Pence entered politics in 2000, winning a seat in the U.S. House representing Indiana. In 2012, he ran for Governor of Indiana, defeating Democrat John R. Gregg.
Pence is a former talk radio host, a devout Christian, and endorsed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz before endorsing Trump. Read more about Pence here.