While speaking in front of hundreds at the 2011 Howard County Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner Tuesday at Pastariffic's Casa Bella, Congressman Mike Pence, R-6th District, said he is considering a run for Indiana governor.

He said he has been urged by many to run for President of the United States, but he said he feels his calling is closer to home.

"We got some encouragement to think about running for even higher office, but as often, I prayed about it and concluded that my calling is closer to home," Pence said. "We are seriously considering running for governor for the state of Indiana in the year 2012."

He later said his heart is in Indiana.

"We love this state and we are humbled," he said.

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Pence also criticized the Indiana Democrats who fled to Illinois in February to stall action on the now dead "Right to Work" bill and have not yet returned. He said he finds it a privilege to represent the voters.

"The greatest privilege in my whole life is representing my hometown in Washington, D.C.," Pence said. "When you have that privilege to raise your right hand and represent your hometown in Indianapolis or in Washington, D.C., you need to show up for work. It's time the House Democrats came home and do the job the people of Indiana elected them to do."

Pence thanked state representatives Mike Karickhoff and Heath VanNatter for doing the job that they were elected to do.

As for national politics, Pence said the Republican agenda is simple when it comes to the economy.

"Our agenda is simple. You get government under control. You get government out of the way and this economy will come roaring back in Indiana and across America. I promise you."