Tony Cook

tony.cook@indystar.com

Vice President-elect Mike Pence plans to finish his term as Indiana's governor even as he leads Donald Trump's presidential transition effort.

Pence, who was named leader of Trump's transition effort Friday, acknowledged that the job would take him to Washington, D.C., and New York City "on a regular basis."

But, he said, he will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends Jan. 9.

"I believe in finishing what you started," he said.

His comments came during what will likely be his final cabinet meeting as governor. Pence used the meeting to welcome his successor, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb, to the governor's office, but emphasized that the transition process began the morning after the election.

"This morning represents a formal welcome to his future office," Pence said, "but I want to ensure Hoosiers we’ve been working very consistently to make sure this is a seamless transition between this administration and the next."

Holcomb thanked Pence, telling him that the results of Tuesday’s election were "a validation of what your leadership has meant to the state of Indiana."

Holcomb, who announced a transition team of his own this past week, said he will make some announcements about the make up of his own administration in the coming days.

Pence takes office as vice president Jan. 20.

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

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