A Republican lawmaker in Indiana is introducing a measure that would allow Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to run for re-election in 2016 while simultaneously running for president.
“I think it’s good for the state of Indiana to have a sitting governor in the national conversation and because of that I think it’s in our interest to make the obstacles and roadblocks for Pence as minimal as possible,” state Sen. Mike Delph told the Indianapolis Star.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Pence told the Star the issue is not on the governor’s agenda and he’d review the measure if it reached his desk.
A recent trip to Israel has stoked 2016 speculation surrounding Mr. Pence, who is a favorite among many conservatives. He has said a decision on a possible White House run will probably come sometime in the spring.
Sen. Rand Paul, another possible 2016 contender, is looking for possible ways to work around a similar bar on simultaneous runs in Kentucky; the state House there is controlled by Democrats, making a legislative change to the law unlikely.
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who faces a similar situation in Florida, has indicated that if he runs for president he would not try to seek re-election to the Senate.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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