Republican Rep. Mike Pence was all set to announce his entry into the open-seat Indiana governor's race this past Monday... but then a little something happened on Sunday night that sorta derailed his plans. What was it? Oh yeah, this:
Well, Pence was at least smart enough to delay his campaign launch for a few days in light of the Osama news, but he apparently
wasn't smart enough to use Microsoft Outlook:
Pence's campaign committee sent an email Wednesday, apparently by accident, that included a "Mike for Indiana" graphic in blue and yellow. While the email did not include any text, it was the latest sign that Pence—who has not run for statewide office before—will get into the race. Pence spokesman Matt Lloyd said the email was intended to contain information related to Thursday's conference call.
Better than a reply-all debacle, I suppose! Well, the stars finally aligned for poor Mike Pence today:
Calling it the "worst kept secret in Indiana politics," six-term Indiana GOP Rep. Mike Pence officially entered the race for governor Thursday in a conference call with elected officials, friends and supporters.
"I'm in this race," said Pence, who disappointed many conservative activists in January by deciding against a White House run. "Any real Hoosier knows any important race begins in the month of May."
I think the "month of May" business is a reference to the fact that the state legislative session ends in May, but it's not really clear to me why that should affect a federal office-holder. Maybe Mike's just confused! (UPDATE: Several commenters inform me that Pence is probably trying to capture the buzz surrounding the Indianapolis 500, which takes place at the end of the month, and to demonstrate his Hoosier bona fides. Interesting!) Anyhow, while certainly the favorite (he's a powerful Republican pol running in what's still a red state, Obama's stunning 2008 victory nonwithstanding), his fundraising has been pretty weak so far, and he faces a potentially strong Democratic opponent in the form of ex-State House Speaker John Gregg. I think this could be an interesting race, especially if Obama competes here again, so keep an eye on it.
P.S. Former Dem Rep. Tim Roemer, who just quit his post as ambassador to India, is reportedly being considered for Commerce Secretary by the president. He always seemed very unlikely to run for statewide office (whether governor or senator), but obviously if he gets tapped to join Obama's cabinet, he's definitely out of the running.