INDIANAPOLIS (WDRB/AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence announced Monday that his pick for lieutenant governor is State Rep. Sue Ellspermann.
Pence is scheduled to tour Indiana with Ellspermann Monday. The two planned to make stops in Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Merrillville.
The freshman lawmaker could shore up Pence's support in southwestern Indiana and with women. She also has the economic development experience Pence said he's looking for in a running mate.
"Sue Ellspermann has the integrity, business background and experience in state government that will make her a great Lt. Governor," said Pence in a news release. "She will be a tremendous asset as we work to bring more jobs to Indiana."
"Mike Pence's top priority is job creation," said Ellspermann. "As an engineer, I understand the importance of technical skills development in our workforce to attract high wage, high tech jobs to Indiana."
Pence is running against Democrat John Gregg -- who's also from southwestern Indiana -- and Libertarian Rupert Boneham. Gov. Mitch Daniels is barred by law from seeking a third term.
Democrat John Gregg's campaign says Republican Mike Pence's pick shares a focus on a divisive social agenda.
Gregg's campaign immediately targeted her support for a bill approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature last year to cut off state funding for Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions.
The Gregg campaign called Pence and Ellspermann a "tea party ticket" focusing on a social issues agenda rather than fighting for jobs and opportunities for Indiana.
Gregg hasn't yet named his running mate.
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