Count Gov. Mike Pence (R-IN) among the groveling acolytes of the Koch brothers. The Kochs are having another one of their big shindigs this weekend in Dallas, where a bunch of Republicans 2016 presidential hopefuls are expected to line up and kiss the ring. Among them, Texans Gov. Rick Perry and Sen. Ted Cruz, along with Kentucky's Sen. Rand Paul. But they'll have an awful lot of kowtowing to do to
top Pence.
"I've met David Koch on several occasions. I'm grateful to have enjoyed his support and the support of many of the people that support Americans for Prosperity across Indiana and across this country," Pence said in an interview as he headed into a private AFP dinner featuring remarks from Koch and a keynote speech by columnist and pundit George Will.
"I'm very grateful for the leadership of this organization," Pence said of Americans for Prosperity, which has backed his tax-slashing agenda in Indiana, and which is comprised partly of a foundation arm chaired by Koch. "I'm just honored to be able to come down today and be a part of this gathering and express my real appreciation for what Americans for Prosperity has meant in this country and in Indiana, in particular." […]
"Americans for Prosperity has demonstrated that you can bring together people from all across this movement who will work in concert to advance the principles of fiscal responsibility, pro-growth policies and limited government," Pence said.
Is it just me, or do some of these Koch candidates sound like cult members? Aside from that, it's worth taking notice that the Kochs are extending their agenda ahead of 2016. They already own the House, are doing their damnedest to buy the Senate in 2014, and are aiming to acquire the White House in 2016.