There is proposed legislation being floated in the Statehouse that would allow Gov. Mike Pence to simultaneously run for the office of U.S. president and seek re-election as governor.
The idea, which would change current state election law, is being proposed by State Sen. Mike Delph, a Carmel Republican. If it became law, any sitting governor or state lawmaker could seek re-election while running for a federal office.
It sounds like a Republican self-serving ploy, as a way to aid Pence as he ponders a 2016 presidential run.
But perhaps it isn't as misguided as it seems. Having a sitting governor use his current expertise of running a state government may assist in the national dialogue among presidential candidates. Maybe it's tougher to have an ex-governor, a former legislator for that matter, constantly have to harp back to previous successes that could be a year or two old.
That certainly assisted former Democratic U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton and former Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar in 1988. State lawmakers approved legislation that allowed them to run for re-election to their respective seats and appeared on the presidential ticket. Their voices were heard; their knowledge was considered current.
There are a few catches. Namely, Pence would have to win the GOP presidential nomination. But why pursue the endeavor if the dual nomination isn't legal? And the proposed legislation does take in lawmakers; it could be written to include only Pence's office if the goal is to singularly assist him.
Overall, there are perhaps more drawbacks than rewards for Hoosiers. It goes beyond simple voter confusion at the polls. It goes beyond the fact that a candidate winning both spots has to resign, thereby cheating the voters.
If you're elected to a position of trust in Indiana, you're expected to do the job, represent constituents and never shirk your taxpayer-funded duties. Would Hoosiers let a current governor take off for a year to pursue a national office? Who runs the ship at home? Who gets credit or blame, and who takes responsibility?
It's nice to have a Hoosier in the mix when talk surfaces of presidential candidates. But perhaps it will be more rewarding to see elected officials finish their terms.