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Holcomb Says He's Running On Pence's Policy, But Specifics Are Still Few

Courtesy Governor Mike Pence

Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Holcomb unveiled the first policy proposals of his campaign, including economic development, infrastructure and energy initiatives.

The proposals were short on the specifics of funding:

Many of Lieutenant Governor Holcomb’s proposals are the continuation of initiatives begun by Gov. Mike Pence.

This includes a $1 billion entrepreneurship plan, a new port, a new bridge over the Ohio River, and growing the Regional Cities program.

Since many of the proposals are continuations of Pence initiatives, Holcomb was asked what of the rollout was an “Eric Holcomb” idea. He notes he’s been a longtime advocate for many of the proposals, including completing I-69.

“But all of this is my plan. Some of this may have been started on my predecessor or on? his predecessor’s watch.”

The cost for his proposals will likely be in the billions of dollars. Asked how he will pay for all of it, Holcomb was less specific:

“Some of it will be going to the private sector – there is a huge appetite for these type projects.”

And when pressed about specific state funding sources, Holcomb pointed to the gubernatorial campaign of his former boss Mitch Daniels.

“We didn’t have all the answers on how to pay for it. But what we said is, ‘We are going to build I-69.’ And we’ve built over half of it already. And we will complete I-69, so yes I think it’s fair to say ‘These are my goals; now let’s go get them done.’”

Democrats criticize Holcomb for continuing Pence's policies – which they say include an agenda of discrimination against the LGBT community. 

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.
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