Tony Cook

tony.cook@indystar.com

Gov. Mike Pence will introduce Donald Trump at the Republican presidential candidate's rally in Westfield on Tuesday.

The rally could serve as a kind of audition for Pence, who is considered one of the top contenders to become Trump's running mate.

Other top-tier candidates for the vice presidential slot also are appearing with Trump. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was expected to appear with Trump at a campaign event in Virginia today, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich rallied with Trump last week in Ohio.

Speaking before a bike ride with law enforcement Monday morning, Pence said he hasn't spoken to Trump directly since they met last week at one of Trump's golf courses in New Jersey. His campaign has said nothing was offered or accepted at that meeting.

But Pence appears ready to accept the role if Trump makes the offer.

"I think we need strong leadership supporting our troops, strong leadership to get this economy moving again, and we need clear-minded leadership to make commonsense, conservative appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States," Pence said Monday. "I’m prepared to make that case anywhere across Indiana and anywhere across this country that Donald Trump would want me to."

Will Pence be Trump's vice president? We'll know soon.

Trump told the Washington Post on Monday that he has five possible running mates in mind and expects to make a decision in the next three to five days. That fits well with Pence's July 15 deadline to withdraw from the governor's race so that state GOP leaders can choose a replacement candidate.

Trump also said he is leaning toward a political candidate rather than a military one, hinting that he may pass on another possible pick, retired Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn.

A number of political observers and national Republican strategists say they see Pence as the most likely choice. The first-term governor has emerged as an ardent Trump supporter, despite endorsing one of his competitors, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, before Indiana’s May primary.

As a staunch social conservative, Pence is seen as someone who could help Trump with Christian conservatives who have been skeptical of Trump's position on social issues such as gay rights and abortion. Pence also could bring along some conservative donors who have declined to support Trump so far. And with 12 years of experience in Congress, Pence could help Trump navigate Capitol Hill.

Trump's rally will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Park Events Center in Westfield. He also will attend a 5:30 p.m. fundraiser at the Columbia Club in Downtown Indianapolis.

Before joining police officers for the first leg of a bike ride with Cops Cycling for Survivors, Pence also expressed support for law enforcement. The annual 13-day ride from Indianapolis to Washington, D.C., is an expression of support for fallen officers and their families.

This year's ride is especially significant in light of the shooting deaths of five police officers during a demonstration against police brutality in Dallas last week, Pence said.

"I think it comes at a time when we are much in need of opportunities to encourage those in law enforcement, but also to look for opportunities for healing," he said.

Pence plans to join the Ten Point Coalition later tonight for one of the anti-crime group's neighborhood patrols.

Call IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.

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