Maureen Groppe

USA TODAY

During Mike Pence's six terms in Congress and four years as governor, the born-again Christian described himself as a "happy warrior" for conservative principles. A former radio talk-show host who compared himself to "Rush Limbaugh on decaf," Pence emphasized his communication skills, creating a radio studio in his congressional office and winning a leadership post focused on messaging.

Here are some of his quotes over the years about his political philosophy, votes in Congress and actions as governor.

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“I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican … in that order.”

— Pence, on numerous occasions.

"By enacting this legislation, we take an important step in protecting the unborn, while still providing an exception for the life of the mother. I sign this legislation with a prayer that God would continue to bless these precious children, mothers and families.”

— Pence, in March, when he signed into a law a bill expanding Indiana’s already restrictive abortion laws.

"What I'm for is protecting, with the highest standards in our courts, the religious liberties of Hoosiers. I signed the bill. We're going to continue to explain it to people that don't understand it. And if possible, we'll find a way to amplify what this bill really is in the legislative process. But I stand by this law. "

— Pence defending to ABC News March 29, 2015, the "religious freedom" bill he signed into law, which critics said would allow Indiana businesses to deny services to gays and lesbians.

"After much reflection and in consultation with leadership in the General Assembly, I've come to the conclusion that it would be helpful to move legislation this week that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone.”

— Pence announcing March 31, 2015, that changes should be made to the "religious freedom" law.

“I’ve said for years, “I’m a conservative, but I’m not in a bad mood about it. Let’s be cheerful partisans and happy warriors.”

— Pence at the 2015 Conservative Political Action Conference.

“There are significant gaps in our ability to know precisely what we need to know about everyone coming into this country.”

— Pence, in 2015, on why he rejected the settlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana.

"I don't know that this is a resolved issue in science today.”

— Pence, in 2014, on whether climate change is man-made.

“I think, in time, people will come to see that we're not expanding traditional Medicaid. We're reforming traditional Medicaid."

— Pence, in 2014, on the alternative approach to Medicaid he sought as a condition for expanding the health care program for the poor under the Affordable Care Act.

"I would say that my Christian faith and my relationship with (my wife) Karen are the two most dominant influences in my life today.”

— Pence, during his 2012 gubernatorial campaign.

“That I dye my hair ... and that I don't have a sense of humor.”

— Pence’s response when asked in 2012 to name the biggest misconception people have about him.

"I have learned to follow my heart, and my heart is in Indiana."

— Pence, in 2011, when he decided not to run for president in 2012.

“I was Tea Party before it was cool.”

— Pence in a 2011 interview with Indianapolis Monthly.

"If Democrats here in Washington would rather play political games and shut down the government than support our troops, defend our treasury, and respect our values, then I say, 'Shut it down.’ ”

— Pence about a 2011 compromise budget deal he opposed.

"I think it comes as a surprise ... to most Americans that the largest abortion provider in the country is the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X. We can stop that."

— Pence in 2011 when the House backed a years-long effort he’d led to cut off federal funding to Planned Parenthood.

"Republicans will stand firmly on principle that the American people don't want to see the American military used to advance a liberal political agenda.”

— Pence, in 2010, speaking out for retaining a ban on gays serving openly in the military.

"I fear Mrs. Pence more than I fear voters."

— Pence, in 2007, on why he supported the annual automatic pay increase for members of Congress.

"I would never have suggested that ... a Baghdad market is as safe as the Bargersville flea market.”

— Pence, in 2007, after he was criticized for comparing a Baghdad market he visited to “a normal outdoor market in Indiana in the summertime.”

"Those who would have us ignore the battle being fought over life, marriage and religious liberty have forgotten the lessons of history. America's darkest moments have come when economic arguments trumped moral principles."

— Pence, speaking at the Family Research Council's Values Voter Summit in 2010.

“We know the way back to a Republican majority is to return our party to those traditional conservative principles that minted our majority to being with.”

— Pence, in 2008, after being elected chairman of the House Republican Conference.

"We didn't just lose our majority. We lost our way. In recent years, our majority voted to expand the federal government's role in education, entitlements and pursued spending policies that created record deficits and national debt."

— Pence in 2006, when he unsuccessfully ran against John Boehner for House minority leader.

"If you believe in limited government, you understand that the only check on government power in real time is a free and independent press.”

— Pence, in 2005, when he pushed for legislation to protect journalists and their sources.

"Now, we've already heard this morning that cutting taxes on capital gains and dividends is nothing more than a tax cut for the rich. But as a Pittsburgh pipe-fitter said of the same cut in capital gains taxes advanced by President Reagan 20 years ago, 'it may be a tax cut for the rich but I ain't never been hired by a poor man.’ ”

— Pence on President George W. Bush’s 2003 tax cuts.

“In four or five years, I believe it will be standard issue. This job is all about communication.”

— Pence, in 2001, talking about the mini-radio studio he created in his congressional office soon after his first election.

“Negative campaigning, I now know, is wrong.”

— Pence, in a 1991 essay written after his unsuccessful 1990 race for Congress.