Democrats Respond to Mike Pence Campaign Turmoil

GREGG CAMPAIGN STATEMENT ON PENCE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR SWITCH

INDIANAPOLIS – In reaction to Governor Mike Pence replacing Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann with Eric Holcomb, today Gregg for Governor Campaign spokesman Jeff Harris released the following statement:

“This is a direct reflection of the governor’s judgment and priorities. Mike Pence is shoving aside an accomplished businesswoman, who hasn’t always agreed with his radical ideology, in favor of a longtime political operative who will be in lock-step with him. As Hoosiers learned a few years ago with the untimely passing of a sitting governor, a lieutenant governor must be ready on day one. And while Mr. Holcomb’s qualifications are unclear, what is crystal clear is that Mike Pence has once again put politics ahead of the best interests of Indiana.”

LANANE: Lt. Governor’s exit a blow to diversity, leadership of state government

INDIANAPOLIS – Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) released the following statement after Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann announced her unexpected departure from Governor Mike Pence’s administration.

“I’m taken aback by the suddenness of the Lieutenant Governor’s unexpected exit,

“In her time at the helm of the Senate she’s been a steady hand, exhibiting an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Hoosiers across the state,

“That commitment is why I find her announcement and the process by which she will be replaced so unsettling,

“This is unprecedented. I cannot recall such an abrupt change in leadership at this level without a preceding emergency,

“The governor has expressed a willingness to work with legislative leadership on the transition. I believe it’s appropriate that we thoroughly vet the governor’s appointment,

“The Senate is losing a proven legislator and leader, an advocate for doing it the right way and a fierce proponent of compromise and bipartisanship,

“Women are losing their chief ally in state government. Today, Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann serves shoulder to shoulder with the governor, the highest elected office at the Statehouse. She occupies a bully pulpit for women and working families like no other in the state,

“Hoosiers have also lost. With Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann’s sudden departure, state government is less diverse. Governor Pence’s administration now looks less like the state it represents,

“When the guy across the table looks like you, talks like you, acts like you, it’s safe to assume he’ll make decisions like you, and that’s not the kind of leadership Hoosiers need,

“A diversity of opinions expands perspectives and inherently leads to better decisions,

“I wish the very best to Mr. Holcomb in his appointment. Lieutenant Governor Ellspermann has served our state with distinction and there’s no doubt hers will be a tough act to follow.”

With a Back Room Deal, Holcomb Will Continue Out-of-Touch Ideology He Helped Usher into GOP

INDIANAPOLIS – Drew Anderson, communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party, issued the following statement after Mike Pence pushed for a back room deal to name Eric Holcomb as his choice for Lieutenant Governor.

“It took a back room deal to help bring in the same man who played ‘bad cop’ for his 2012 campaign, a move showing Mike Pence is running scared by once again putting his ideology ahead of the everyday Hoosier. With Eric Holcomb, Hoosiers should expect nothing new but the same ideals that put Indiana’s ‘Hoosier Hospitality’ reputation in jeopardy. As Chair for the state’s GOP, Holcomb supported ideologues like Richard Mourdock and fanned the fire for extreme ideas and division in our state. These are qualifications that might work with political insiders, but not for someone running to be our Lieutenant Governor. Mike Pence’s latest move only seeks to drive a partisan wedge that will cause Indiana to continue falling behind the rest of the nation. Hoosiers deserve better.”