Pence says economy, schools focus of his re-election bid

By TOM DAVIES

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he's launching his re-election campaign with a focus on the state's economy and improving schools.

Pence told reporters ahead of his Thursday night announcement speech that he knows everything he's done as governor will be fair game during the campaign, but he sidestepped questions about the lingering impact of the national outcry over a religious objections law that many saw as anti-gay.

State Democratic Chairman John Zody says many people disagree with Pence's assessment of Indiana's economy and believe Pence caused the state lasting harm with the religious objections law. Indiana is spending $2 million with a public relations firm to address the fallout.

Pence is unopposed for the 2016 Republican nomination, but two wealthy GOP businessmen have discussed launching or supporting challenges to him.

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