Donald Trump has reportedly picked Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate, a move to shore up the presumptive GOP nominee's standing with skeptical conservatives.
The decision was first reported by Roll Call. It was later confirmed by CBS News and the Indianapolis Star.
Pence, who often touts himself as "A Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order," has deep ties with both social and fiscal conservatives. The former congressman chaired the conservative Republican Study Committee, once challenged John Boehner for House minority leader, and routinely voted against his party from the right while in the House, battling No Child Left Behind and the George W. Bush-backed Medicare prescription drug expansion. He also has close connections to the Koch brothers — the libertarian-leaning billionaires (and fierce Trump critics) have employed a number of his closest advisers in top positions.
The move is considered a safe choice for Trump aimed at uniting the party rather than a game-changing move. Pence is well-liked by many in the base of his party, but isn't a general with military experience or an attack dog adept at ginning up coverage, like others Trump considered.
Trump has said he will make a formal announcement Friday morning in Manhattan, and his campaign continues to insist no final decisions have been made. Top Pence strategists, while not denying their boss was joining the ticket, referred the Daily News to Trump's campaign.
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