Pence calls Holcomb 'a Hoosier through and through'
Choice gives governor a running mate who is a seasoned political operative who could build bridges between Republicans.
Gov. Mike Pence tapped Eric Holcomb on Tuesday to be Indiana's next lieutenant governor and his running mate for the November election.
Pence introduced Holcomb during an at-times awkward news conference — awkward because the announcement came at a less-than-ideal time for his current lieutenant governor, Sue Ellspermann.
Ellspermann, who joined Holcomb and Pence for the announcement, gave her blessing even though she has not formally resigned and will leave the governor's administration waiting to hear about a potential job.
Pence will gain a seasoned political operative in Holcomb, but effectively cut ties with Ellspermann, who is seeking the top job at Ivy Tech Community College, rather than joining Pence in his re-election bid.
Pence said he had "very mixed emotions" about Ellspermann leaving but lauded Holcomb's ability to serve as lieutenant governor.
“To everyone who knows him, Eric Holcomb is just a great guy," Pence said. "A Hoosier through and through. … He’s a man of faith, of humility, of integrity and optimism, and it just takes a few minutes of talking with Eric Holcomb to know all those things are true.”
Pence said he expects Ellspermann's resignation before the end of the legislative session in mid-March, which will allow lawmakers to confirm Holcomb's nomination before they adjourn.
Holcomb, a former state party boss and one-time aide to Gov. Mitch Daniels, brings a lot of cachet among Republicans as someone respected by many social conservatives and business-oriented Republicans. Those two wings of the party have clashed amid a firestorm over last year's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Pence also gains a political attack dog for what is expected to be a close campaign against Democrat John Gregg.
As for Ellspermann, she suggested at the news conference that remaining lieutenant governor wasn't the best way she could serve Indiana.
"Things don’t exactly line up in life just the way we like them to in terms of timing. In my case, it was the opportunity that was presented to me for the Ivy Tech presidency," she said. "I think this might be an even better seat on the bus for me in terms of serving Hoosiers, and reluctantly but eventually (Pence) agreed and supported me wholeheartedly."
Ellspermann did not give a specific date for her resignation, saying it would come at the “appropriate time.”
Pence offered a more detailed timeline, saying her resignation would come before the end of this year's legislative session.
While Holcomb is generally well-liked among the GOP's different factions, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to help Pence restore his relationship with business and more socially moderate Republicans. They wanted lawmakers to pass a gay rights measure during this year's legislative session, but that measure stalled, in part, because of the stance Pence took in his State of the State address. In the speech, Pence said he would want any measure to place a premium on shielding religious freedom.
Holcomb said he agreed with Pence's message.
"I think the governor struck the right tone in his State of the State address," Holcomb said.
Pence picks Holcomb: What people are saying
Bill Oesterle, a Republican operative and former Angie’s List CEO, characterized Holcomb’s actions as a “betrayal.” Oesterle said Holcomb recently criticized the Pence administration.
“Eric said Pence, ‘Set the right tone’ on LGBT issues. To me, he has been blisteringly critical of Pence’s handling,” Oesterle posted on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Curt Smith, president of the Indiana Family Institute, said “people will be pleasantly surprised” to learn the extent of Holcomb’s conservatism.
“The governor will benefit greatly from having Eric on his ticket as the person who will most likely respond to the kinds of things John Gregg might choose to spin,” Smith said.
Holcomb, who had been one of three Republican candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, withdrew from the Senate race Monday, fueling speculation about a potential nomination for lieutenant governor.
The timing of Ellspermann's departure has been a delicate matter for the Pence administration. Ivy Tech’s trustees, who are appointed by the governor, are conducting a national search for a new president and have said they won’t make a final decision until this summer. Lawmakers, however, have said they would prefer to confirm a new lieutenant governor before the legislative session ends March 14. Otherwise, they would have to reconvene for a special session.
Democrats quickly criticized Pence's decision to tap Holcomb.
"This is a direct reflection of the governor’s judgment and priorities," Gregg's spokesman, Jeff Harris, said in a statement. "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 lockstep with him."
Pence acknowledged that he and Ellspermann have had policy differences, but he said they didn't play a role in the decision to part ways.
Holcomb’s exit from the Senate race leaves U.S. Reps. Todd Young and Marlin Stutzman to duke it out in the May GOP primary. The winner will face former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill, the sole Democrat in the race.
Holcomb had hoped to tap into an extensive grass-roots network from his years as Indiana Republican Party chairman and as a top aide to Coats and Daniels.
But he struggled to keep up with Young and Stutzman in fundraising.
Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.
Call IndyStar reporter Chelsea Schneider at (317) 444-6077. Follow her on Twitter: @indystarchelsea.
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