INDIANAPOLIS -- “Warm and friendly” have probably been used to describe Mike Pence more than Donald Trump over their lives. A source for the Washington Post used the term to describe the meeting between the two on Saturday, a meeting that included Indiana’s First Lady.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee met with Indiana’s governor for about an hour Saturday morning in New Jersey – areport in the Post says it took place at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, about an hour west of New York City. The meeting comes as Pence’s name is increasingly mentioned as a possible running mate for Trump, someone who might help the real estate mogul connect with rank-and-file conservatives within the party.
The Post report cites two Republicans familiar with the meeting, and it says Pence was joined by his wife Karen, perhaps indicating that she is comfortable with Pence being on the national ticket, one source told the Post. Pence had previously considered a run for the Republican presidential nomination before deciding to run for re-election for governor, a campaign that would end if Pence decided to accept a place on the GOP presidential ticket.
Another of the Post’s sources described the meeting as a “getting to know you thing, a chance for both of them to connect.”
Trump’s advisers have indicated that Pence is among several being vetted for running mate status; others include New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
If Pence is named Trump’s running mate, he would have to give up his run for re-election in Indiana, as state law bars him from running for both governor and the vice presidency. The deadline to be removed from Indiana’s ballot is July 15, two days before the Republican National Convention begins in Cleveland. If Pence did pull out of the race, Indiana Republicans would have 30 days to name a replacement candidate to face Democrat John Gregg in November.
Pence was asked about the VP rumors on Thursday:
READ | Indiana Democrats say Ted Cruz is victim of 'Mike Pence Effect'
Pence and Trump met on April 19, before Trump's rally at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
MORE | Trump, Pence to meet before rally Wednesday
Indiana Democrats blasted the meeting.
.@INDems chair statement on @mike_pence meeting with @realDonaldTrump, VP speculation @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/XZvpChwcyb
— #IndyThisWeek (@IndyThisWeek) July 1, 2016
