But Donald Trump announced on Twitter Friday that Indiana Gov.
Mike Pence is his running mate.
Trump wasnt hunting for a kindred spirit in a running mate.
Credit: Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images
Pence was the preferred choice of GOP insiders, and on paper its not hard to grasp why.
Theres plenty in his resume for Republicans to like.
Pence was a rare conservative ideologue to climb the party ladder while checking its leadership.
His voice comes as close to Ronald Reagans voice as any.
Trumps three eldest children and son-in-law Jared Kushner have emerged as some of his most powerful advisers.
As a senior Trump adviser explained: Its a family decision.
Pence clearly won them over.
Its less obvious how hell help Trump win the White House.
Gingrich is a national figure with a similar fondness for florid partisan attacks.
Both Christie and Gingrich would have brought personal baggage to the race that Pence does not.
But the Indiana governor is not quite the safe choice that his allies claim.
The law codified the right of individuals and businesses to assert their religious beliefs against government burdens.
Critics cast it as license to discriminate against gays and lesbians.
During the ensuing uproar, Pence managed to alienate virtually everyone.
Indiana corporations and business lobbies revolted.
Gay-rights groups will use Pences record on social issues as a rallying cry.
Trump has been careful during his campaign to avoid offending LGBT groups.
Even in conservative Indiana, Pences welcome has worn thin.
This being Trump, he dragged out the drama.
Trump eschewed the elaborate subterfuge.
Just over two months ago, Pence endorsed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz over Trump before the Indiana primary.
With reporting by Zeke J. Miller/Cleveland, Ohio, and Will Drabold/Washington
