Pence to speak at 2 GOP conventions amid 2016 talk

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mike Pence is heading south to rally Alabama’s Republicans.

The Alabama Republican Party announced Tuesday that Pence will keynote its convention June 20. Pence is heading north next month to speak at the Wisconsin Republican Party’s convention.

Pence’s trips come as religious conservatives and Washington pundits are increasingly mentioning him as a viable contender for the White House in 2016.

He drew national attention during a trade mission last week criticizing President Barack Obama’s dealings with Russia and recommending the U.S. put a missile defense shield back on track. But his support of a replacement for national Common Core education standards has drawn the ire of his base of supporters on the far right.

Pence has declined to say whether he will run for president.