Pence no longer considered presidential prospect

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Republicans presidential hopefuls addressed the NRA convention in Nashville Friday.

One Republican who was not there is Governor Mike Pence. He cancelled at the last minute.

It adds to the growing evidence that his political prospects have changed.

The governor’s office says Pence didn’t go to Nashville because he was attending the funeral of a friend here in Indiana. Even so, there is a list of insiders who will tell you that he’s no longer considered a Presidential hopeful.

The headlines are harsh.

“The Week Mike Pence’s 2016 Dreams Crumbled” reads one.

“The Washington Post Dumps Mike Pence from Top 10” reads another.

It’s all the result of the governor’s handling of the religious freedom battle and his unwillingness to answer a question about discrimination on ABC.

You might expect the jokes on Comedy Central where John Stewart applauded on the Daily Show, saying, “Here, here. I didn’t realize that people in Indiana could not practice religion. I’m excited.”

But check out the commentary on Fox News where Neil Cavuto said of running for president, “Make sure you can convince people you are Presidential because you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Just ask Indiana governor Mike Pence.”

Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia ranks 19 Republican contenders and this week Mike Pence is off the list completely.

Back in January CNN ran a headline about “Mike Pence’s Very Bad Week” on the week when he dropped the idea for a state run news service.

This is worse.