State Republicans pick governor candidate

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Latest on replacing Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence as the GOP candidate for Indiana governor (all times local):

1:10 p.m.

Indiana GOP panel backs Gov. Mike Pence’s choice, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, to replace him on ballot.

12:05 p.m.

Indiana Republican leaders have chosen Gov. Mike Pence’s preferred successor to replace him on the November ballot.

The 22-member Indiana Republican state committee voted Tuesday to nominate Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb for the state’s top job after the incumbent governor withdrew to become Donald Trump’s running mate.

Pence endorsed Holcomb for the nomination last week, calling him “one of the best prepared individuals” to become governor. Holcomb is a former state Republican chairman whom Pence appointed Holcomb to the state’s No. 2 office in March after his 2012 running mate resigned.

U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks and Todd Rokita also sought the GOP nomination to face Democrat John Gregg, who narrowly lost to Pence in the 2012 election.

10:25 a.m.

Indiana Republican leaders have started a private meeting to choose the candidate who will replace Gov. Mike Pence as the GOP gubernatorial nominee following his withdrawal to become Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate.

The 22 members of the Indiana Republican State Committee are expected to vote Tuesday in Indianapolis, picking among candidates Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks and Todd Rokita and state Sen. Jim Tomes (toms) of Wadesville.

Pence and at least three members of the committee are publicly backing Holcomb. Several other top Republican officials and donors also are endorsing Holcomb. Brooks and Rokita also have supporters among the committee members.

The committee’s choice will face Democratic nominee John Gregg in the November election.

2:15 a.m.

Key Indiana Republicans are set to meet to choose the candidate who will take Mike Pence’s place as the party’s gubernatorial nominee after Pence withdrew to become Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate.

The 22 members of the Indiana Republican State Committee scheduled a private meeting Tuesday morning in Indianapolis to choose among Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks and Todd Rokita and state Sen. Jim Tomes (toms) of Wadesville.

Gov. Pence and at least three members of the committee are publicly backing Holcomb. Several other top Republican officials and donors also are endorsing Holcomb.

Brooks is highlighting an endorsement she received from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The committee’s choice will face Democratic nominee John Gregg in the general election.