Presidential races

Bill to let Pence run for multiple offices likely dead

An Indiana bill that would have allowed Gov. Mike Pence (R) to run for president and reelection at the same time is likely dead after some top Republican state lawmakers indicated it wasn’t likely to pass.

{mosads}A state senator had introduced a bill to allow Pence to do both, potentially giving him more time to explore a presidential campaign as he looks towards his 2016 reelection. But leaders in the statehouse have sent it back to committee.

Pence himself doesn’t seem on board with suggested change in an Indiana law that bars state lawmakers from running for two offices on the same ballot.

“Well, it seems like a well-intentioned distraction. You know, the first I heard about it was when I read it in the paper,” Pence told the Indianapolis Star. “It’s not on our agenda. It’s not our focus.”

Pence is viewed as a potential dark horse candidate for the presidency.