The Deepening Mystery of who will pay Mike Pence's Lawyer

 

Mike Pence fretting over how to pay his attorney fees

Over the weekend we had reported on the rumors that Vice President Pence was going to use funds from his Great America Committee to pay for legal representation. Now word on the street is Pence's PAC may not be used to pay Pence's lawyer Richard Cullen.

Peter Nicholas and Rebecca Ballhaus wrote an article today for the Wall Street Journal "Pence Won't Pay Legal Fees with PAC funds".

Nicholas and Ballhaus's piece as their self explanatory title claims that the rumors of PAC funds being used to pay Pence's legal fees are greatly exaggerated.

Nicholas and Ballhaus write:

Vice President Mike Pence has chosen not to use an allied political committee to pay for the private attorney he retained last week to represent him in the special counsel probe of Trump associates’ ties to Russia, two people close to Mr. Pence said Wednesday.

Last week, a person familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that the vice president would most likely use funds raisedthrough a leadership PAC created earlier this year to pay for his legal bills.

At that point, Mr. Pence had not been presented with the options for paying his legal bills, another person said. When he reviewed them, he decided he would not use the leadership PAC, called the Great America Committee.

It is not clear how Mr. Pence will pay his legal fees, which can be a daunting expense, especially for public officials of relatively limited means.

A financial disclosure Mr. Pence released last year appeared to show a negative net worth, not counting his state pension or his residence. He reported no significant savings accounts, mutual funds or 401(k) accounts from before he entered elected office. As Indiana’s governor, he was paid $173,860 over the previous year, the disclosure showed.

According to Nicholas and Ballhaus Pence's staff hasn't helped to clear up the question of how Pence will pay his legal fees:

The vice president’s office declined to comment on whether Mr. Pence will pay for his attorney out of his own pocket. Mr. Pence won’t use taxpayer funds to cover the fees incurred by his lawyer, Richard Cullen of McGuireWoods, a spokesman for his office said.

Indy Republican is wondering if taxpayers aren't going to pay Cullen, and PAC donations won't. Then how in the hell is Cullen going to be paid?

Using PAC donations to pay Cullen is legal. But perhaps there is another reason why Pence would be wary of using PAC money.

Nicholas and Ballhaus state:

It would be legal to pay for a personal attorney with funds raised by a leadership PAC. Yet such an action would potentially expose the vice president to criticism that he is tapping well-heeled donors to pay for his legal team.

This would not be the first time that "Pampered" Pence would have faced criticism of his use of donors money. Back in 1990 during a failed congressional campaign against democratic congressman Phil Sharp. It was revealed that Pence had used campaign money to pay many of his personal expenses.

The New York Daily News reported on this back in July. Rosalind Helderman, Tom Hamburger, and Alice Crites writing for the New York Daily News on July 15, 2016 reported:

Mike Pence was a young lawyer on the rise, challenging a longtime Democratic congressman in a Republican-leaning Indiana district.

And then, scandal.

Campaign finance records from the 1990 effort showed that Pence, then 31, had been using political donations to pay the mortgage on his house, his personal credit card bill, groceries, golf tournament fees and car payments for his wife.

The spending had not been illegal at the time. But it stunned voters — and undermined Pence’s strategy to portray the incumbent, Rep. Philip R. Sharp, as tainted by donations from special-interest political action committees.

“It was a brazen act of hypocrisy,” said Billy Linville, who was Sharp’s campaign manager. “It was a bombshell, for sure. . . . Without question, he may well have won the election if it had not been for that.”

Pence’s early stumble proved to be a defining moment, prompting a period of public remorse that helped create the wholesome image many Republicans now say makes him an ideal running mate to counterbalance the bombastic Donald Trump.

In the months after that 1990 defeat, Pence waged a statewide apology tour and disavowed negative campaigning. He told a local reporter that using campaign funds for personal expenses had been “an exercise in naivete.”

Pence’s 1990 race also led to key changes in campaign finance policies. Experts say that subsequent rules passed by the Federal Election Commission barring the use of campaign funds for personal needs were the direct result of ethics concerns raised by Pence’s actions.

Well it appears Mike Pence has at least one accomplishment to his name. His missteps in his 1990 campaign helped change federal election law!

It appears that Mike Pence is scared about being put under intense scrutiny. Pence has also been in the news lately because of the delays in finishing the extension of I-69. Click here and here for more information on the I-69 debacle. Pence may also start to face questions about whether he accurately reported the address of his residence when he ran for Governor of Indiana in 2012. See below his 2011 1040 tax return where he states that he and his wife lived in Arlington, Virginia:

 

Which if true means that he should have been deemed ineligible to run for Governor in 2012. Since Indiana law states that you must be a resident of Indiana for the five years preceding the election for governor. Which obviously would not be true if he was living in Arlington, Virginia in 2011! 

So all this has us all wondering how in the world can Mike Pence have served a decade in congress and four years as governor and have so little in the way of assets to show for it? It just seems as if he should have more to his name by now. Also if the Vice President is doing everything above board. Why not simply say how he is going to pay his lawyer? It's a fair question. We thought we would leave you all with a little mailer that Pence did for his unsuccessful run for congress in 1988. It appears that Pence's wholesome image is as phony as he is judging by this mailer:

 

Update: We have resized the picture of Pence's 1988 mailer. Hat tip to Chas Navarra for pointing out.

Jon Easter's take on Pence's PAC/ATM

IR urges all our readers to go check out Jon Easter of Indy Democrat's post on Mike Pence treating Indiana as his own ATM! Click here for the article. Keep up the good work Jon! Gary Welsh is smiling down and blessing you from heaven.

"Taxman" Governor Eric Holcomb AKA Mitch Daniels Lapdog!

RINO TRAITOR ERIC HOLCOMB 

It's a beautiful Monday today here in Indiana. All of us here have had a great start to the week. Hope all of you have as well. Now unfortunately we must switch gears and discuss something far less pleasant. We are talking about our political hack of a Governor Eric "Taxman" Holcomb. What can we say about this soulless eyed, butt chinned, vampiric parasite that has not already been said before? Unfortunately he is so "insane in the membrane" it's hard to stop discussing his shortcomings!

As we start the dog days of summer many of us are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the warmth of the outdoors. Unfortunately this summer Hoosiers are going to start feeling the pinch of higher gas taxes and user fees courtesy of Eric Holcomb and the spineless jellyfish that are our republican state legislators!

Dan Carden of the Northwest Indiana Times has the story in his column "Indiana legislature, governor hike 45 different taxes, fees paid by Hoosiers", click here to read it. 

Mr. Carden writes:

Motorists almost certainly will notice when fuel prices across Indiana increase by 10 cents per gallon on July 1. 

Earlier this year, the Republican-controlled General Assembly and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb enacted a fuel tax hike to fund road construction projects and restore the buying power lost to inflation since the current fuel tax rates were established more than a decade ago.

But that's far from the only new charge Hoosiers soon will pay.

Carden points out that "Altogether, Indiana lawmakers imposed or increased at least 45 different taxes and fees on everything from notary services to teacher background checks, according to a review by The Times of every law passed during the 2017 legislative session." 

And what does our so called fiscally responsible Governor think of the hikes in taxes and fees? He most certainly thinks they are a bad idea and is working to undo this right? WRONG!

Carden says: "Holcomb declined to characterize that (fees and tax hikes) as "a lot" of tax and fee hikes.

He instead was quick to insist, "I'm very comfortable with paying for what we need."

The question to ask who is this "we" that Holcomb speaks of? And what is it they need and why?

Carden quotes State Senator Brandt Hershman as saying:

"State Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Buck Creek, chairman of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee, said Indiana lawmakers adjust various taxes and fees every year, but strive to avoid a general tax increase on incomes or sales.

"Many of us feel that's a good policy, because it's a fee-for-service model and people can make a decision as to whether it's a good value for them or not, and whether they're getting bang for their buck," Hershman said."

What Hershman doesn't point out is that Hoosiers have to pay the taxes by law. And in many instances the fees are not something that we can avoid paying.

Now in marked contrast to Hershman, Holcomb and other so-called Hoosier Republicans who see no problem in gouging taxpayers. The leader of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus had a different view of the legislatures raising taxes.

"House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, quipped that he's not sure Hoosier Republicans are the party of Ronald Reagan anymore, since the high number of tax and fee increases they enacted seemingly go against the tax-cutting policies championed by the 40th president.

"Sometimes I get a little flummoxed," Pelath said. "The raids on the private citizens' wallets come in a myriad of ways, in very small amounts, spread over a very wide area ... and they're very hard to keep up with."

This defies logic and reason. To think the day has arrived when Indiana Republicans are correctly scolded by the State House Democratic Leader for abandoning the traditional conservative republican principles of Reagan and lowering taxes and reducing government spending. We are not surprised after all Holcomb is simply doing as he is told by former "Godfather" Governor Mitch Daniels. Daniels is the little runt of a man who believes he deserves to rule over others. 

Here is a little ditty that describes accurately Holcomb and Daniels:

Did Mike Pence create a PAC simply to pay his lawyer?

If you live long enough you see just about anything happen. But even IR never thought we would see the day that Mike Pence would hire a lawyer from the firm that employs former Indiana Governor and Senator Evan Bayh. Apparently the shock of being dumped by Congressman Jim Banks and being replaced by Bobby Knight has shattered Pence's already fragile mind! The Washington Post revealed that Mike Pence has hired Richard Cullen of McGuireWoods to represent him in regards to possible investigation by congress and special prosecutor Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump White House and the Russian Government involving the 2016 presidential election. Several Indy Republican readers alerted us to this story. There are a few interesting questions that pop up during an examination of the circumstances surrounding Pence's hiring of Mr. Cullen. We will ask our questions. First let's layout what facts we have so far.

Ashley Parker writing for the Washington Post on June 15, 2017 reported here on Pence's hiring of Cullen by citing his office making the following statement: 

“I can confirm that the Vice President has retained Richard Cullen of McGuireWoods to assist him in responding to inquiries by the special counsel,” said Jarrod Agen, a Pence spokesman, in an emailed statement. “The Vice President is focused entirely on his duties and promoting the President’s agenda and looks forward to a swift conclusion of this matter.” 

Cullen will not be paid with taxpayer money, an aide said. Cullen referred questions to the vice president’s office.

The process of hiring a lawyer took several weeks and included interviews with several candidates, a Pence aide said. The vice president made his final decision earlier this week. 

Several INDY REPUBLICAN readers have contacted us and said they found it interesting that Pence's aide would emphasize that taxpayer money would not be paying Cullen's legal fees. In light of the fact according to Vice President Pence's financial disclosure here he filed last year it showed him as not having any money!

Mike Pence when he looked at his bank account: 

 

So if the taxpayers are not going to pay for Cullen, then how is Mike Pence planning on paying his attorney? Another question we have been asking ourselves is just when did Mike Pence decide to go around shopping for an attorney. The aide quoted said that several candidates were interviewed over a period of around two weeks with the decision to hire Cullen was made earlier this week. Now Vice President Pence was originally scheduled to give an interview on June 7, 2017 on PBS's "News Hour" program but canceled the interview shortly before it was to start.

Now the cancelled interview was to take place on June 7th. The news of Pence's decision to hire Richard Cullen was reported on June 15th, this past Thursday, or 8 days after the cancelled interview. That would fall within the "several weeks" timeline mentioned by Pence's office. So if Pence had to interview potential lawyers during that timeframe that could very well account for his abrupt cancellation with PBS. Since even if he did not interview potential lawyers in person. Pence at the very least would have had to speak to them via phone or some other means. 

The Post reports that Cullen is no stranger to representing high profile clients. Ashley Parker gives the following background information on Cullen:

Cullen, a former Virginia attorney general, served as the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia under President George H. W. Bush and worked on President George W. Bush’s legal team during the Florida recount in the 2000 presidential election.

His other high-profile clients have included Tom DeLay, the former Republican majority leader who was investigated by the Department of Justice for his relationship with Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff; Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of Tiger Woods, in her divorce from the golf star; and former senator Paul Trible (R-Va.), during the Iran-contra investigation.

Ms. Parker elaborates further on how Mike Pence has potentially been drawn into the Russian-Trump collusion investigation:

As Trump’s No. 2 and as head of the transition team, Pence has increasingly found himself drawn into the widening Russia investigation.  Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security adviser, misled Pence about his contacts with Russian officials — Pence then repeated the incorrect claims publicly. The vice president was kept in the dark for nearly two weeks about Flynn’s false statements before learning the truth in a Post report. 

Trump fired Flynn for misleading the vice president. 

There were also news reports that Flynn’s lawyers had alerted Trump’s transition team that Flynn was under federal investigation for his secret ties to the Turkish government as a paid lobbyist — a claim the White House disputes. And aides to Pence, who was running the transition team, said the vice president was not informed of Flynn’s overseas work with Turkey, either.

James Comey and Cullen once worked together at McGuireWoods and Cullen is godfather to one of Comey’s daughters.

Forgive us if we are finding it impossible to believe that Mike Pence was in charge of the Trump transition team, but somehow was unaware of Michael Flynn's lawyers having informed the transition team that Flynn was under federal investigation! It is also bizarre that the lawyer that Pence finally settled on was an the godfather of one of fired former FBI Director James Comey's daughters! That's is to much for King Kong to swallow! 

The Vice President's increasingly being so repeatedly near the scandals of the Trump administration. Has caught the notice of several who are finding it harder and harder to buy the nonsense being shoveled that Mike Pence is just a nice, squeaky clean guy.

Pence's former congressional colleague and host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe". Former Congressman Joe Scarborough (R-FL) said last month:

“We are faced with two options when it comes to Mike Pence,” “Mike Pence, the vice president of the United States, is either a sucker and a dupe for Donald Trump — being set up that way to go out and lie and lie and lie again — or he’s a liar.”

“There’s no middle ground,” he added.

Allan Lichtman a history professor at American University in Washington, D.C. and the man most famous for correctly predicting the winner of every presidential election since 1984. Including being one of the only experts to correctly forecast that Donald Trump would win the 2016 election. Professor Lichtman has trained his sharp mind to trying to ascertain the Vice Presidents role in the Trump administration. The good professor is skeptical to say the least about old Mikey being a victim of those around him.

Lichtman writing in an op-ed piece on CNBC.COM on May 19th, 2017 had this to say:

According to a now standard account, Pence is the innocent victim of deceptions by others – former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and the president himself.

But this is supposition only, with no hard evidence behind it. It is equally plausible that Pence is complicit in the lies propagated by the Trump administration and perhaps even involved in a cover-up of potentially impeachable transgressions. That's why he must be investigated thoroughly by the Congress and the FBI along with the president and other members of the Trump campaign team and administration.

For a seasoned politician who served for 12 years in Congress and three years as governor of Indiana, Pence has seemed remarkably easy to fool. Supposedly, Mike Flynn fooled Pence into affirming that Flynn's conversations with Soviet Ambassador Sergey Kislyak were "strictly coincidental" and had nothing "to do with United States' decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia."

Pence was allegedly fooled again when he said that Trump fired FBI Director Comey because he accepted "the recommendation of the deputy attorney general and the attorney general." Trump later admitted that he had intended to sack Comey before he received any Justice Department recommendations and that "this Russia thing with Trump" was on his mind when he made the firing decision.

The theory of Pence as innocent victim lacks credibility.

As vice president on March 9, 2017, Pence said that regarding stories about Flynn's lobbying for Turkey, "Hearing that story today was the first I'd heard of it." Yet Pence was the head of the transition team that recommended Flynn for National Security Adviser and news reports in November 2016 had disclosed Flynn's lobbying for Turkey.

Beyond press reports, on November 18, 2016, Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings, the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter to Pence warning: "Recent news reports have revealed that Lt. Gen. Flynn was receiving classified briefings during the presidential campaign while his consulting firm, Flynn Intel Group, Inc., was being paid to lobby the U.S. Government on behalf of a foreign government's interests. … Lt. Gen. Flynn's General Counsel and Principal, Robert Kelley, confirmed that they were hired by a foreign company to lobby for Turkish interests"

Lies spoken softly by Mike Pence are no less insidious than lies bellowed and blustered by Donald Trump. Pence must be part of all investigations of the Trump administration. Under Article 2, Section 4 of the constitution, a vice president no less than a president is subject to impeachment.

Such damning statements made about a sitting Vice President of the United States by one of America's finest political experts and by a former fellow congressman are not to be dismissed lightly. If Michael Flynn's lawyers did indeed tell the Pence-led Trump transition team  about Flynn's work being the subject of a federal investigation. In all likelihood Mike Pence was aware of this as well! Which would mean that even a dimwit like "Pampered" Mike Pence would know he was going to probably need a lawyer. And he would have known this before assuming office. Which would make the matter of him being able to pay what would undoubtedly be exorbitant legal fees an urgent one.

But how to pay a high powered lawyer if he reported having no money on his disclosure form?

Well the Wall Street Journal's Rebecca Ballhaus may have an answer in her article "Here's How Pence Could Pay for a Personal Lawyer".

Ms. Ballhaus writes:

How does the former governor, whose financial disclosure last year appeared to show a negative net worth, plan to pay him?

The likely solution: an independent political group launched by Pence allies last month that can raise up to $5,000 per donor and has no restrictions on the personal use of funds.

Mr. Pence on Friday is set to attend a fundraiser for the group, Great America Committee, in Indianapolis, a day after his office said the vice president had retained Richard Cullen, chairman of the prominent law firm McGuireWoods, to represent him in the special counsel probe of Trump associates’ ties to Russia. Premier tickets to the event cost $5,000, while donors who pay $2,500 gain access to a reception at the hotel where the event is hosted.

Mr. Pence will most likely use funds raised through that group to pay for his legal bills, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Mr. Cullen said Mr. Pence’s office had directed him to “make certain that whatever method [of payment] is used is compliant with all federal law and regulation.”

There are no rules barring Mr. Pence from using the group’s funds to pay for his private attorney, said Kenneth Gross, former head of enforcement at the Federal Election Commission.

“There is no personal use restriction on a leadership PAC,” he said.

Using leadership PAC funds to pay for a private attorney would allow top donors to Mr. Pence to bankroll his legal defense as the special counsel’s probe heats up.

Ms. Ballhaus mentions that the creation of this PAC was most curious because:

The creation of one (a PAC) on Mr. Pence’s behalf earlier this year raised eyebrows, as vice presidents—particularly those in their first terms—rarely have their own political committees separate from the president.

Another weird twist is that Mike Pence is the honorary chairman of the PAC. And his aide Marty Obst is on the staff of the Great America Committee. Readers of this blog and Gary Welsh's Advance Indiana blog may remember that Obst was associated with the shady real estate agent John Bales and also unsuccessfully tried to save Senator Richard Lugar from losing the 2012 Republican Senatorial Primary. The inclusion of Obst on the Great America Committee and the fact that Pence came down to Indianapolis to fundraise for his pack one day after hiring Richard Cullen as his attorney does not pass the smell test.

So what are we to make of the increasingly boneheaded and paranoid actions of Mike Pence? 

Bill Kristol the founder of conservative magazine The Weekly Standard had this to say about an unusual tweet the VP made:

 Bill Kristol @BillKristol

Why this tweet now? Speculation: Trump's angry at Pence over news Pence hired a lawyer. Pence desperately trying to show Trump he's loyal.

Vice President Pence @VPIt is the greatest privilege of my life to serve as Vice President to @POTUS Donald Trump – a man devoted to American ideals.

1:58 PM · Jun 16, 2017

In the INDY REPUBLICAN mailbag a reader made this observation about VP Pence groveling like a submissive worm to his D.C. masters:

Typical Pence...the soft, weak link of any team....probably wears "depends" undergarments for as much as he pisses his pants. Wonder what is worrying the little pissant so much?

We love our readers insights into Mike Pence. We think they are mistaken about one thing though. They forgot that since Pence is Number 2 in Washington he most likely would have to wear depends because he just craps so much! 

 

Congressman Jim Banks picks Bobby Knight over Mike Pence!

Mike Pence continues to lend credibility to the belief in some circles that he is a political masochist who seems to enjoy being humiliated and publicly embarrassed by others. In today's "Behind Closed Doors" column by Maureen Groppe in today's Indianapolis Star reports:

When Indiana Rep. Jim Banks had his first Oval Office meeting with the president his year, Trump had a difficult question for him.

“The president asked me, `Did Bobby Knight or Mike Pence do more good in Indiana?’” Banks recently recounted to The Atlantic in a feature on the Indiana freshman.

Banks chose Knight, the former Indiana University basketball coach, despite the fact that the vice president was standing right there.

“I don’t know if Pence appreciated that,” Banks told The Atlantic. “But the president looked at him and said, `See, I knew it!’”

A spokesman for Banks said the exchange was in jest and a lighthearted moment during a conversation about the president’s affection for the Hoosier state.

When Knight announced his support for Trump shortly before Indiana's primary last year,Trump called it “the greatest endorsement in the history of Indiana.”

Cruz’ inability to beat Trump in Indiana despite the backing of Pence – the sitting governor – effectively ended the GOP nominating contest.

Gary Welsh of Advance Indiana fame in his next to
last blog post spoke about Pence's half hearted endorsement of Senator Ted Cruz wrote:

Gov. Mike Pence will upset many Republican primary voters today by endorsing Ted Cruz's presidential campaign. It will have no impact on the race, which Donald Trump is poised to win, and Pence gains absolutely nothing from the endorsement. The people who support Cruz already make up the backbone of his narrow, electoral support. What it can only do is further alienate him from already disaffected Republicans and aid in the election of John Gregg. Support for Cruz's candidacy has been collapsing for weeks now. He cannot win in open primary elections, only in closed-door, party caucus elections. He has no viable path to winning the nomination. This is another totally bone-headed move by Pence.

IR by no means believes that Mike Pence has much common sense. But he has to be aware that he is only being used by the President. And by continuing to let himself be abused and humiliated he is only further damaging his already non-existent credibility. If Pence wants to salvage anything of his political career he should resign as Vice President immediately. His apparent eagerness to defend the indefensible is only going to hasten the end of his political career. And give those republicans like all of us who have no use for Pence. Even more reasons to want him sent to political Hell.

Keeping it in the family! Mike Pence's brother may run for Pence's former congress seat!

 

Greg Pence older brother of Vice President Mike Pence 

Gary Welsh liked to say politics in Indiana is an incestous business. Well with the news that Mike Pence's older brother Greg may run for his little brothers former congress seat. It is very clear why so many have come to agree with Gary's observation. Kaitlin Lange and Tony Cook wrote for the Indianapolis Star on June 8th, 2017 about Greg Pence's possible run in their article: "Is Vice President Mike Pence's brother considering a run for congress?"

Mr. Cook & Ms. Lange wrote:

Greg Pence, the vice president's older sibling, isn't ruling it out and a source close to the Pence family said this week that a group of Republican donors is encouraging him to run for the seat once held by his brother.

Greg Pence, who once ran the family's Kiel Bros. Oil Co. gas station and convenience store business, has been a close confidant to the vice president, frequently traveling with him during last year's presidential campaign.

Greg Pence took his first formal step into the political arena earlier this year when he became statewide finance chairman for U.S. Rep. Luke Messer, who is expected to run for Indiana's U.S. Senate seat in 2018.

That would leave Indiana's predominately Republican 6th District House seat vacant. Stretching from Muncie to Madison, it's the same district Mike Pence represented for 12 years and one where he continues to enjoy wide support.

In an interview with IndyStar, Greg Pence acknowledged regular overtures encouraging a congressional run but said he's focused on Messer's campaign right now.

"The funny thing is I’m getting asked that a lot," he said. "And right now the only thing I’m focused on is helping Luke and Jennifer (Messer) make a big decision on whether or not they should run (for Senate)."

That would leave Indiana's predominately Republican 6th District House seat vacant. Stretching from Muncie to Madison, it's the same district Mike Pence represented for 12 years and one where he continues to enjoy wide support.

In an interview with IndyStar, Greg Pence acknowledged regular overtures encouraging a congressional run but said he's focused on Messer's campaign right now.

"The funny thing is I’m getting asked that a lot," he said. "And right now the only thing I’m focused on is helping Luke and Jennifer (Messer) make a big decision on whether or not they should run (for Senate)."

The eldest of six siblings, Greg Pence and his wife, Denise, now own antique malls in Edinburgh and Bloomington. Denise was also a delegate to the Republican National Convention last summer, where she saw her brother-in-law's formal nomination as the party's vice presidential candidate. 

Greg Pence also served a brief and controversial stint as the top deputy at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He was hired in 2005 to streamline the agency under Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, but the appointment raised eyebrows because he had no environmental credentials and his former company, Kiel Oil, had been cited by the agency for environmental violations in the past.

He left the post after just 2½ months. 

Greg Pence's latest role as chairman of Messer's finance committee could help the political novice establish relationships with key donors for a potential run of his own, while also lending Messer a prominent last name to help with fundraising. 

One major GOP fundraiser, Bob Grand, said Greg Pence "would be a great choice" to fill Messer's seat. But such decisions are premature given that Messer hasn't even officially declared a Senate run.

"I just think it’s too early to speculate," Grand said. "You can’t start running for a seat that isn’t vacant yet."

If he does decide to run, Greg Pence would almost certainly enter the race as a heavy Republican favorite, preventing what might otherwise be a competitive and potentially contentious GOP primary.

"When you're looking for a candidate to recruit, you want somebody with an ability to raise money, somebody who has name recognition, somebody who fits well with the district and those things would seem to characterize Greg Pence if he were to choose to run," said Robert Dion, a political scientist at the University of Evansville. 

It also doesn't hurt to be the vice president's brother. Mike Pence plays a key role in Indiana politics, most recently aiding in Gov. Eric Holcomb's rise to power after Pence dropped out of the gubernatorial race to join Trump on the national ballot.  

IR's belief is that if Luke Messer does run for the Senate, as we believe he will. Greg Pence will run for his brothers former congress seat. His brief service at IDEM under "Godfather" Mitch Daniels doesn't inspire confidence. Our advice to Mikey's older brother is: "Greg, if you do wind up getting elected to congress don't ever run for another office and become a national joke like your brother. "

Wanna Chat with Governor Eric Holcomb? Just Bring $10,000 and you can talk to them!

 

Today's "Behind Closed Doors" column in the Indianapolis Star by Tony Cook shows why he is a far better reporter than the Star deserves.

Readers of this blog know just how little we all here think of Eric "Bagman" Holcomb. Tony Cook's piece today helps illustrate why we think Holcomb is a vile sleaze ball that is not fit to run a one car parade. Let alone run a state!

Tony Cook writes in today's piece entitled:

"Got $10,000? You can dine with Gov. Eric Holcomb:

Gov. Eric Holcomb is holding a fundraiser later this month at the swanky Lucas Estate, with tickets priced as high as $10,000.

Those top-tier donors and their spouses will be treated to round table dinner with the governor in a setting the Lucas Estate website describes as "reminiscent of a French Country Manor for a member of aristocracy."

Don't worry if you don't have $10,000 to throw around you have other options Cook says:

For a more modest $2,500 contribution, donors can attend a VIP reception after the dinner. 

But never fear if you don't have quite $2,500 to curry favor with contribute to Holcomb's fundraising shindig you can still be in on the fun:

Those who contribute $50 to $2,500 will have access to a general reception party with music from local cover band Dave and Rae.

So what exactly is his holiness Eric Holcomb having a fundraiser for? Tony Cook says:

An invitation to the June 27 event, dubbed the "Team Holcomb Launch Party," promises "new and exciting announcements from the governor" as well as "dancing, food, drinks and lots of fun!"

Contributions will be split 70-30 between Holcomb's campaign and the Indiana State Republican Party, according to the invitation.

Holcomb still has plenty of time to fill his campaign coffers. The governor is only six months into his four-year term. 

Okay let's just hold on for a second while we pass around the barf bag! Let's try and wrap our heads around this here. So "Bagman" Holcomb is asking Republican voters to shell out $50 to $10,000 or more so that we can hear new and exciting announcements from his worthless butt! And as a bonus we all get treated to dancing, food and drinks as well!

Let's think. Pay up to $10,000 to hear worthless drivel from "Bagman" Holcomb and eat shitty food and watered down drinks from Holcomb himself! We would rather spend a weekend recovering from eating White Castle!

As Cook's article points out he is only six months into his four year term as Governor. Is he really that scared about his reelection prospects now? If so why? Maybe the Indiana Republican Party is worried that Holcomb might be a drag on them later so they are trying to get money out of him now.

Having this kind of stupid fundraiser so early in his term just shows Holcomb likes other people's money!

Welcome to Indiana people! The worst government money can buy!

I-69 Extension Delayed Again! Let's See If The Fourth Time is the Charm! w/update

 

Mike Pence realizing he is everybody's whipping boy

How do you solve a problem like Mike Pence? At the risk of being a broken record. We have decided that Mike Pence's shenanigans once again warrant IR's personal attention. Seriously Mikey! How much more nonsense are you going to trouble us with? If you aren't doing your best to imitate Hillary Clinton, Rod Blagojevich, or an untrained seal. Being disingenuous and hypocritical about your residency when you ran for Governor in 2012, entering into a stupid deal with Agile Networks to fund projects for Indiana's Bicentennial last year and then putting the

taxpayers on the hook when the deal went south. Or you are carrying water for your Washington paymasters and getting chewed out by even Establishment hacks for it. You just can't help but keep tripping over your own feet.

Now Kaitlin Lange and Mark Alesia reported in yesterday's issue of the Indianapolis Star or as we mockingly call it "Pravda Indianapolis". They have reported that there is yet another delay in the fabled I-69 extension from Bloomington to Martinsville! Lange and Alesia write:

The state of Indiana intends to take control of the troubled I-69 project from Bloomington to Martinsville as the public-private partnership used to finance and build the highway crumbles.

Bond analysts told IndyStar that terminating the deal could drive up project costs, but it is uncertain how much.

State officials confirmed Monday that the project's new completion date would be pushed back from May 2018 to August 31, 2018.

That's the fourth time the opening has been pushed back as the state's design-build contractor struggles to pay subcontractors and meet deadlines. The original completion date was October 2016.

I-69 Development Partners originally bid $325 million to win the project, which started in 2014. 

With the project about half finished, the state notified bondholders on Friday of its intention to take over.

The statement said it would take nearly $237 million to complete the project, and that $72 million was available. That means $164 million is needed to "complete construction and resolve claims."

But the extra cost to taxpayers is unclear.

Understandably the Star wanted to find out what additional costs will be burdening us taxpayers but was unable to find out because as the article reports:

State officials declined to tell IndyStar whether taxpayers would have to foot the bill for the $164 million that is needed. Stephanie McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Indiana Finance Authority, said the "official authority" who could answer IndyStar's question is off until Wednesday.

Translation we need to buy ourselves time until we can come up with some bullshit reason to give to you rubes as to why you all should pay for the state's screw ups! 

It doesn't appear much of anyone else connected to this "road to nowhere" was eager to talk either.

As reported:

The IFA issued a statement from Director Dan Huge on Monday, but it also did not address the issue of cost and where the money will come from. Huge has declined numerous interview requests.

Cherian George, managing director of the Fitch ratings agency, earlier told IndyStar that if a project is terminated for cause, the cost of completion typically would rise.

"As a result, there will be additional cost, because now the state has to take it back and actually deliver the project and fill in the gaps," George said. "It may be more than they thought they were going to pay, but it may not be an exorbitantly higher amount."

There will also be money available from the project's performance bond — insurance that it will be completed. But the state only required a bond covering 25 percent of the project's value,which bond analysts said was on the low end of what would typically be required. And getting money from that bond could also be held up by litigation.

As if possible lawsuits weren't enough to drive up the costs to Hoosiers. The Star also reports that other contractors will probably be more expensive:

What's more, the winning bid was $73 million lower than the next lowest bid, suggesting other contractors might demand more.

The project was originally touted by the state as an innovative public-private partnership that would take advantage of private sector expertise, innovation and efficiency to save taxpayers money.

I-69 Development Partners won a bid to design, construct and maintain the highway for decades after completion. But in March the Spanish company Isolux Corsan — which initially comprised more than 80 percent of I-69 Development Partners — entered insolvency proceedings in Spain.

It had four months to reach an agreement with creditors and avoid potential bankruptcy.

The state's negotiations to buy out the bonds for the project have been unsuccessful so far, but Huge's statement said "the state is moving forward with the goal of assuming control." The state has not, however, declared the developer to be in default.

When asked about the deal, I-69 Development Partners issued the following statement: "I-69 Development Partners and the IFA continue to participate in confidential discussions with the aim of ensuring the successful completion of the project. We are confident that we can reach an agreement with the IFA."

Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, said the protracted construction has not only frustrated people but also created safety issues.

"I think they should have been willing to declare the company in default a long time ago," he said.

What is so idiotic about this whole I-69 Development problem. Is that way back in 2014 the late great Gary Welsh reported concerns about I-69 Development Partners over at Advance Indiana. 

Gary Welsh writing in 2014 said:

In a separate report this past weekend by the Evansville Courier & Press, questions were raised about the wisdom of Gov. Pence's plan to build the I-69 extension from Bloomington to Martinsville through the use of a public-private agreement. The Pence administration has awarded the project to a Netherlands-based company, Isolux Infrastructure, to upgrade the 21-mile stretch of State Road 37 as another connecting link for I-69. The state will kick in $80 million upfront, while the private contractor will provide $325 million in funding for the extension. In addition, Indiana will make annual payments of $21.8 million to the private consortium over the next 35 years, or a total of $763 million, in exchange for the private consortium agreeing to maintain the highway.

By comparison, $700 million in Major Moves funding was provided for construction of the the nearly 100-mile stretch of new highway from Evansville to Bloomington. State Road 37 between Martinsville and Bloomington is already a 4-lane interstate quality highway absent the interchanges. It looks like Pence is just relying on a public-private agreement for the sake of privatization without any regard to the the extra cost future generations of taxpayers will bear to pay for this small stretch of highway. I hate to see the tab for the final leg between Martinsville and Indianapolis.

Even in death Gary Welsh is still looking out for the taxpayers. Gary was more right than he knew in his concerns about what the tab will wind up being for this section of I-69. 

Democrats and republican rivals of Mike Pence have no doubt long ago gathered this and other such stories on Pence to cause him trouble if he decides to ever run for the White House. Buckle up folks it's going to take awhile until Mike Pence is out of elected office. We are all looking forward to sending old Mikey Pence out to pasture! Let's do this people!

UPDATE:  As if wasting taxpayers money and patience wasn't bad enough. Now CBS 4 is reporting that the continued delay of the I-69 extension is a safety concern in Bloomington:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind-- Safety concerns over an I-69 roadway project are growing in Monroe County.

Residents and officials are expressing the concern after it was announced the project on the new section of interstate between Martinsville and Bloomington will not be finished until August of 2018.

While the delay is certainly cause for annoyance for people who live in the area, residents say they’re equally fed up with accidents and close calls along the stretch of highway.

“Just pulling out onto here, there have been a few accidents already,” said Julie Aubin.

City officials in Bloomington have also called the project a “safety concern,” citing numerous accidents and injuries amassed on the stretch over the years.

“There are often lane realignments that happen day to day. Even if you drive the road frequently, you can be surprised from one day to the next. We’ve had some real tragedies in the area and are very saddened by that,” said director of communications for the City of Bloomington Mary Catherine Carmichael.

A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration stated that most fatal crashes and injuries in work zones most often occur in the summer and fall months.

Bloomington officials like Carmichael say those are the exact issues they’re hoping to avoid for the remainder of the project’s construction.

Now IR understands that there are difficulties and dangers involved in any road project. But we don't think that it is to much to ask that traffic lanes not be completely realigned on a daily basis! The state must be stopped before it causes more damage!