Pence to rally with Trump amid VP speculation
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence confirmed Monday morning that he will join Donald Trump at the Republican presidential candidate's rally in Westfield, Ind., on Tuesday.
"If they want me to speak I’d be happy to do it," he said. "I'll be glad to be there, either cheering from behind or if he wants me to bring a few words."
The rally could serve as a kind of audition for Pence, who is considered one of the top contenders to become Trump's running mate.
Other top-tier candidates for the vice presidential slot are also appearing with Trump. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to appear with Trump at a campaign event in Virginia on Monday, and former House speaker Newt Gingrich rallied with Trump this past week in Ohio.
Speaking before a bike ride with law enforcement Monday morning, Pence said he hasn't spoken to Trump directly since they met last week at one of Trump's golf courses in New Jersey.
But Pence appears ready to accept the role if Trump makes the offer.
"I think we need strong leadership supporting our troops, strong leadership to get this economy moving again and we need clear-minded leadership to make commonsense conservative appointments the Supreme Court of the United States," Pence said. "I’m prepared to make that case anywhere across Indiana and anywhere across this country that Donald Trump would want me to."
Trump is expected to tap a vice presidential candidate sometime this week, prior to Pence's July 15 deadline to withdraw from the governor's race. A number of political observers and national Republican strategists say they see Pence as the most likely choice.
The first-term governor has emerged as an ardent Trump supporter, despite endorsing one of his competitors, Sen. Ted Cruz, before Indiana’s May primary.
As a staunch social conservative, Pence is seen as someone who could help Trump with Christian conservatives who have been skeptical of Trump's position on social issues such as gay rights and abortion. Pence could also bring along some conservative donors who have declined to support Trump so far. And with 12 years of experience in Congress, Pence could help Trump navigate Capitol Hill.