Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Wednesday “strongly” endorsed Speaker Paul Ryan.
{mosads}”I strongly support Paul Ryan, strongly endorse his reelection,” the GOP vice presidential nominee said.
“He’s a longtime friend, he’s a strong conservative leader. I believe we need Paul Ryan in leadership in the Congress of the United States to rebuild our military, to strengthen our economy and to ensure that we have the kind of leadership in this country that will make America great again.”
Donald Trump sparked controversy Tuesday when he said he is “not quite there yet” on endorsing Ryan. The terminology echoed what Ryan said about the Republican presidential nominee in May, before the Speaker endorsed him.
Pence said Wednesday that in politics, it takes time to build relationships.
“These are two men that are building a good relationship,” he said on Fox News.
“And I’m very confident, after Donald Trump’s elected president, Paul Ryan is reelected to Congress and as Speaker of the House, these two men are going to do great things to restore this country at home and abroad.”
The Indiana governor also said he spoke with Trump about his support for Ryan, and said Trump “strongly encouraged” him to endorse the Wisconsin Republican.
“I’m pleased to do it,” Pence said.
“This is all part of a process of bringing a party together after … a very competitive primary process.”