INDIANAPOLIS —
Indiana’s 50th governor spent his pre-inaugural weekend dining and dancing with contributors at a fancy ball, greeting supporters at a “family fun” event at a race car factory, and worshiping with several hundred people at a prayer service where some requests to heaven may have been weather-related.
Bracing for bone-chilling cold after a weekend of pounding rain, Republican Gov.-elect Mike Pence plans to be sworn in today in an outdoor ceremony at the Statehouse expected to attract hundreds.
The below-freezing but sunny forecast for the 11 a.m. ceremony seemed a blessing Sunday, as Pence supporters scurried out of the rain and into the Indiana Convention Center to attend a praise-and-worship service that was part of the official inaugural events.
Included in the lineup of musicians at the service was former Indianapolis Colts punter Hunter Smith, who led his country-rock band through a series of religious songs after telling Pence that he was grateful for the “godly leadership” he’d bring to Indiana.
Among the religious leaders who spoke at the service was Rabbi Yisrael Gettinger of Indianapolis, who said many members of his Jewish congregation were proud to know Pence — a man who describes himself as “a Christian, a conservative, and a Republican, in that order.”
“It’s my blessing and prayer that we continue to feel that way about you,” Gettinger said. “That you will indeed exercise the wisdom that will be given to you hopefully by the Almighty, so that you will be indeed be respected, loved and revered for your accomplishments.”
The Rev. Raymond Dix, a Baptist minister from Gary, said Pence would be best served by being a “servant leader” and read a New Testament passage in which the apostle Paul called on followers of Jesus to set aside ambition and conceit and put the needs of others first.
It was one of the few openly religious events associated with the Pence campaign since he launched his successful bid for governor in 2011. On the campaign trail, and in press conferences since his November victory, Pence has downplayed his socially conservative views and talked up his priorities to boost jobs and education.
On Saturday, Pence and his wife, Karen, greeted supporters who came to a free event at the Dallara IndyCar Factory near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Later, they hosted about 1,800 people at a $75-a-person inaugural ball at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis that was closed to most of the media.
“Tonight is not about us. It’s about all of you,” Pence told the ball crowd, before going on to praise his predecessor, Gov. Mitch Daniels, and invoke the name of the Colts’ rookie quarterback. “We know we stand on the shoulders of giants. As I think about the opportunity and challenge before us, now I know how Andrew Luck felt,” Pence said.
Today’s swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on the west steps of the Indiana Statehouse, which overlooks a large plaza between two state government office buildings. It’s the first outdoor inaugural since 1997.
Last week, Pence said four former Indiana governors have accepted his invitation to attend the inauguration. They include Daniels, 95-year-old Ed Whitcomb, and Democrats Evan Bayh and Joe Kernan.
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Attorney General Greg Zoeller, both Republicans, also will take the oath of office during the ceremony. Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz, a Democrat, asked to be sworn in last December, after her election was certified. She’s announced that she’ll host a separate inaugural celebration on Jan. 19 at the Statehouse.
Maureen Hayden covers the Statehouse for the CNHI newspapers in Indiana. She can be reached at maureen.hayden@indianamediagroup.com.
State News
Pence to take oath in outdoor ceremony
State officials hope for clear weather for inauguration
- State News
-
-
Indiana’s high school grad rate continues upward
Indiana’s reported high school graduation rate continues to improve, moving from 77 percent to more than 88 percent in less than a decade, but there are still significant achievement gaps marked by race and income.
-
Schools chief Ritz on fast learning curve
For many occupants of the Indiana Statehouse, the week after the General Assembly wraps up its final frenzy of work is a quiet one. But not for Glenda Ritz.
-
SLIDESHOW: Governor Otis R. Bowen
Photos from the Indiana State Archives of the late Otis R. Bowen, who served as governor of the state as well as in the Ronald Reagan White House. The Bremen native died Saturday
-
Out of office, Lugar shuns retirement
One year ago, Indiana’s longest serving U.S. senator was rejected by Republican primary voters and forced into an unwelcome retirement from a distinguished political career that spanned 46 years. But at 81, former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar is hardly in a resting mode.
-
Lugar wary of Syria involvement
Former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar has been out of office since early January, but he’s still being sought after for his opinion about foreign policy matters he once helped shape.
-
Budget deal includes little funding for criminal code reform
Facing the end-of-session deadline, Indiana legislators moved forward on a bill to overhaul the state’s criminal sentencing laws but left undone the issue of where local communities will get the money to implement it.
-
Legislators closing in on final budget
In his first four months as the chief budget maker in the Indiana House, Republican Rep. Tim Brown hasn’t been surprised by the long hours, multiple demands and intense debate that goes with crafting a $30 billion spending plan.
-
New poll shows voters tepid on Pence tax plan
With just days to go before the deadline for a final budget bill, a new independent poll shows Republican Gov. Mike Pence may not have gotten much mileage for his travels around the state pitching his 10 percent tax cut plan.
-
DOC hopes ‘cold case’ cards lead to solved cases
Indiana state prison officials are using customized playing cards for a deadly serious purpose: To help unlock the mysteries of unsolved murders and persons gone missing.
-
Indiana attorney general says Congress must act on immigration reform
Amidst concerns that the Boston Marathon bombing may derail federal action on comprehensive immigration reform, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is turning up some collective heat on Congress to move ahead.
- More State News Headlines
-
Indiana’s high school grad rate continues upward
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
