Indiana Republican leaders are mostly staying out of the free-for-all GOP primary for president -- at least for now.
Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann is Carly Fiorina's state co-chair, and Congressman Todd Rokita (R-4th) has endorsed Marco Rubio (R-FL). But the rest of Indiana's top Republicans are so far keeping a low profile.
Governor Mike Pence flirted with a presidential run himself before controversy over the state’s so-called “religious freedom” bill sank the governor’s poll numbers and made the decision whether to run for president or governor for him. He says he hasn’t decided yet whether to endorse anyone before Indiana’s primary.
“I know all the candidates, some of them I know very well, and all of them I consider to be friends,” Pence says. “Those conversations will be ongoing – our primary doesn’t come until May.”
The field includes three of Pence's fellow governors in John Kasich (R-OH), Chris Christie (R-NJ) and Bobby Jindal (R-LA). Pence also served in the House with now-Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
Rokita says he endorsed Rubio on the basis of the relationship they've formed on Capitol Hill.
“I know the man, I like the man,” Rokita says. “I like his policies as well, not just his background and I want to see Indiana represented on the ground floor of his campaign.”