WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – Republican Donald Trump’s choice of Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his vice presidential running mate yesterday helped bolster support among some conservatives skeptical about his policies, a crucial step as he prepares to accept the party’s nomination next week.
Some conservatives who had fought against Trump’s ascendancy in the Republican nominating race welcomed his announcement that he had picked Pence, a well-known social and evangelical conservative.
The Club for Growth, a conservative economic group, had sharply criticized Trump’s support for protectionist trade policies. On Friday, the group noted that as a member of the House of Representatives, Pence had been a strong voice for “free markets and economic liberty” at a time when the Republican leadership had been weak on these issues.
“Today’s news gives a similar hope that Mike Pence will be effective in pulling the Republican ticket toward economic conservatism and limited government,” the group said.
