Indiana’s gubernatorial contest had to reboot this week. After Republican Gov. Mike Pence accepted Donald Trump’s offer to be his vice presidential running mate, the Central Committee of the state’s Republican Party had to select a new gubernatorial nominee since state law prohibits the incumbent for running for both offices. They settled on Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb. Holcomb, 48, has had a long career in Indiana politics. After graduating from Hanover College in 1990 with a degree in U.S. History, he spent six years in the U.S. Navy, including a tour in Portugal. In 1997, he joined the staff of U.S. Rep. John Hostettler In 2003, Holcomb became an advisor to then-Gov. Mitch Daniels, serving as deputy chief of staff before managing Daniels’ successful race for re-election in 2008 and then running the Governor’s political action committee. In 2010, he became the chairman of the state Republican Party, a position that was beneficial in his quest for the Central Committee’s nod earlier this week. He resigned as party chair in 2013 to become the chief of Staff to U.S. Sen.
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