Trump Picking Pence As Running Mate, Delays Announcement
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Donald Trump has chosen Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate, sources told CBS News.
Trump called all Pence Thursday afternoon, and Pence departed Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon as was to meet with Trump in New York.
However, after the attack in Nice, France, Trump said he was delaying the announcement
In Northwest Indiana, GOP officials there welcomed the news. Pence brings religious conservatives into the fold and also knows his way around Washington, having served as congressman.
"I think he will help with evangelicals," said Andy Qunell, treasurer of the Lake County Republican Party. "I think he has a big support base there."
Some social conservatives haven't looked favorably on Trump's multiple marriages and one-time support of abortion rights.
Pence is a born-again Christian, who signed a religious freedom bill into law that some said legalized discrimination against gays, before it was amended.
And, Pence provides Trump with something else, someone who knows his way around Washington.
"Trump has great business experience," Qunell said. "You see that with Trump Tower, but there's not much government experience. Mike Pence brings that."
Earlier Thursday, Pence deputy campaign manager Marc Lotter was on a flight to New York. Trump has said he will formally announce his pick on Friday morning at an event in Manhattan.
Pence and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich were considered the top finalists for the job.
Both met with Trump in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Gingrich told Garrett that he expected Trump to notify him of his decision later Thursday.
For his part, Pence was in Indianapolis on Thursday, announcing a $1 billion investment in innovation and economic development for the state.
Pence also reserved campaign ad time for his run for governor should be be passed over for the VP job. He faces a Friday noon deadline to withdraw from the governor's race.
