Eric Holcomb speaks at Tuesday’s announcement that he is the Governor’s choice to be the new Lt. Governor. (photo from Indychannel.com)
The top legislative Republicans are both applauding Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s selection of a former state GOP chairman as the new lieutenant governor.
It was announced yesterday that Vincennes native Eric Holcomb will be Pence’s running mate in the coming election..
It wasn’t immediately clear when the Republican-controlled Legislature would take up Pence’s nomination Tuesday of Eric Holcomb, but lawmakers must approve the pick before he can take office.
House Speaker Brian Bosma calls Holcomb a consensus builder and says Pence made a “sound choice” in picking him to replace current Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann. She is expected to go for becoming the next President of Ivy Tech..but, Ivy Tech’s board may not choose the school’s new president until June.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long says Holcomb “a highly competent and effective leader.” Long says Ellspermann has been a capable and effective lieutenant governor.
Democrat Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) says he wishes Holcomb the best, but says legislators need to “thoroughly vet” his selection. He calls Ellspermann’s resignation “a blow to diversity.”
Holcomb has never before held elected office, although he has also been a top aide to former Gov. Mitch Daniels and U.S. Sen. Dan Coats.