2012: Mike Pence for President?

Some seem to think so, most interestingly those at this years Value Voters Conference. To add to all of this comes seemingly the 2012 cycles first article on the subject. It is by one of my favorite new and up-and-coming National Review writers, so I had to write about it. And I know we still have 2010 cycle hang-over but it is time to start thinking about 2012 whether we like it or not.

In the article: Pence for President? - by: Katrina Trinko, the argument is laid out why Pence makes perfect sense as the GOP candidate for the Nation's highest office. Trinko explains the strongest argument for his selection comes from loyal supporters:

According to supporters, there’s a huge one [reason]: authenticity. Pence identifies himself as a fiscal and social conservative and has the voting record to prove it. Elected in 2000, when compassionate conservatism was trendy, he has never been afraid to play the Grinch, voting against big-spending initiatives such as No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D, and TARP. Pence has displayed the same kind of consistency on social issues, establishing a solidly pro-life record over the last decade.

There is a lot up in the air for Pence. The current Governor of Indiana is term-limited out in 2012, and as Trinko points out, no one has gone straight from Congress to the White House since James Garfield. So a stop in the Indiana Governor's Mansion might be on his agenda before trying for 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. It seems that a lot depends on the culture of the political landscape come next summer.

Pence surely isn't tipping his hand at all, or at least not too much:

“For now, we [the Pence family] will continue our duties serving the people of Indiana and do what we have always done in such times; we will wait on the Lord and follow where He leads,” he wrote in the letter announcing his resignation from the House leadership.

As noted, Pence did step down from House leadership, where he was the number 3 person in the Minority during the last Congress. This seems to speak to the fact that he intends on doing something, but what that something is, well, it is anyone's guess. Regardless of the decision, he has honed his skills in communication and bridge building during his time as Conference Chairman.

The Conference Chairman is the spokesman for the Republicans in the House, and is responsible for finding ways to drive our message of honesty, ingenuity, responsibility, and reform to Members of Congress, the press, and Americans.


The Chairman is in charge of coordinating media strategy, meetings of the caucus of House Republicans, and ensuring Members' staff have the resources needed to provide hard-hitting and effective answers to their constituents.

The best part about Pence in my opinion is his communication skills. His ability to communicate a message, and not abandon any principles is inspiring. He is able to speak to Tea Party folks and "average" Republicans without missing a beat. As Trinko highlights:

On the other hand, Pence, a former radio-show host, is noted for his communication skills. “He’s not as brusque or rough around the edges as some really hard-charging conservatives,” says Dion. “He might say the exact same thing, but it goes over better than some.” Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, talks about Pence’s ability to appeal to the grassroots and communicate “a vision that is really compelling, that gets people out of their seats and going door to door.”

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Ultimately, Pence’s strongest advantage may be his ability to build bridges within the GOP. “The Republican party is going through its own little growth pains here,” remarks Bauer, “and we see all the continued speculation about whether the party establishment can meld successfully with the new Tea Party activists and so forth. I think whoever we nominate in 2012 has to be somebody that can deal with, work with both of those impulses in the coalition, somebody who is respected by both of those groups.” Bauer believes that Pence is one of a “handful of people” who meet those qualifications.

Communication is key, and in a time where policy and rhetoric seem to be indistinguishable there is a need for another "Great Communicator." The thing I love about Mike Pence is that when you see him speak, or watch him on TV, you get the sense of authenticity his supporters speak of. He truly is what he appears to be. There is a need for this type of politician to come back into the mainstream, especially in light of what we currently have in the Whitehouse. Policy aside, a person that can communicate his ideas and roadmap for the country is important, especially in such dire and desperate times like the ones we find ourselves in.

There are a lot of folks that will come to the forefront over the coming months but he is definitely in my top 3. I know you are wondering where I stand on a certain woman from my great northern state, but as I said, I do have a top 3. The important part is picking someone that is conservative, and then that can win. There are at least 3 or 4 folks that fit that bill, and over the course of the next year of so I will discuss them at length, so don't try and gleam anything from what I don't say.

What I am saying though, is to keep your eye on Pence. Do a little research, and you too will be placing him high on your list of 2012 contenders that we'd like to see duke it out for the Presidency.

To read more about Mike Pence please see:
• GOP.gov - Mike Pence
• House.gov - Mike Pence
• Mike Pence Website
• Pence's Address to the Federalist Society National Lawyers Convention