Donald Trump reportedly is set to name as his running mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, whose congressional career was marked by his leadership on pro-Israel issues.
The New York Times first reported the pick on Thursday, quoting anonymous campaign officials, cautioning however that the selection was not yet a certainty and that presumptive Republican nominee, who prides himself on being unpredictable, could once again change his mind before his 11 AM Friday eastern time announcement.
Pence, a conservative Christian, emerged quickly as a leader on pro-Israel issues during his decade in Congress from 2001-2011, where he rose rapidly to the GOP caucus leadership, chairing the GOP’s caucus in his final term, 2009-2011. He led a number of bids to place conditions on funding for the Palestinian Authority, and in 2007, he joined then Rep. Ron Klein, D-Fla., in convening the Congressional Anti-Semitism Task Force.
He has continued his pro-Israel advocacy as Indiana governor, earlier this year signing one of the most robust state laws targeting the movement to boycott, divest from and sanction Israel.
Jewish Republicans have over the years embraced him with enthusiasm, although his conservatism on social issues has raised concerns. In 2015, at the springtime Republican Jewish Coalition retreat in Las Vegas, RJC director pressed him on an Indiana law that would allow businesses to decline the custom of LGBT people. The law was revised and moderated after Pence faced threats of boycotts of the state.
