The Latest: Pence says he's set to debate Democratic ticket
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Latest on Democratic Indiana gubernatorial candidate John Gregg's running mate announcement (all times local):
11 a.m.
Indiana Republicans say they're ready to debate the health of the state's economy now that the Democratic gubernatorial ticket is set.
Republican Gov. Mike Pence issued a statement Wednesday congratulating state Rep. Christina Hale of Indianapolis for being picked as Democratic challenger John Gregg's running mate.
Pence says he welcomes Hale to the race and looks forward to a spirited debate about continuing what he calls Indiana's "soaring economic future."
State Republican Chairman Jeff Cardwell says there will now be a discussion with "the Clinton/Gregg/Hale ticket regarding Indiana's continued economic success."
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10 a.m.
New Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Christina Hale says Republican Gov. Mike Pence's personal ideology has harmed Indiana's progress.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg introduced the state representative from Indianapolis on Wednesday as his running mate for the November election.
Hale says she will work with Gregg to move Indiana "beyond the gaffs of the past four years."
Pence has faced criticism over his handling of the state's religious objections law that he signed last year and a new law this year that bans abortions sought because of fetal genetic abnormalities.
Hale is a former Kiwanis International executive who was first elected to the Indiana House in 2012.
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9:35 a.m.
Democrat John Gregg has introduced Indianapolis state Rep. Christina Hale as his running mate in the Indiana governor's race.
Gregg said Wednesday morning that he picked Hale because she is a consensus builder who works across the political aisle. She is an Indianapolis Democrat.
Hale is a former Kiwanis International executive who was first elected to the Indiana House in 2012, defeating a longtime Republican incumbent in a district on the north side of Indianapolis.
She has been a vocal advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse during her time in the Legislature.
Republican Gov. Mike Pence and Gregg are heading into a rematch of their 2012 campaign, which Pence narrowly won.
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8:45 a.m.
Democrat John Gregg is poised to introduce a state lawmaker from Indianapolis as his running mate in the Indiana governor's race.
A person with direct knowledge of the campaign's decision confirmed that Gregg has picked state Rep. Christina Hale to run for lieutenant governor. The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person wasn't authorized to speak in advance of Wednesday morning's announcement.
Gregg will formally introduce Hale at the downtown Indianapolis ArtsGarden. Gregg's campaign declined to comment Tuesday night.
Gregg and Republican Gov. Mike Pence are engaged in a rematch of the 2012 election that Pence narrowly won.
Pence will be on the November ballot with Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, who took office in March after Pence's 2012 running mate Sue Ellspermann resigned.