× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s pick to replace him on the November ballot is suggesting that other Republicans seeking the nomination might not get help from Pence’s $7 million campaign fund should GOP leaders go against the governor’s wishes.

In an email obtained by The Associated Press, Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb told the 22-member Indiana Republican state committee, which will vote Tuesday on Pence’s replacement, that Pence has made it “crystal clear that he will assist me in maintaining control of the Governor’s office.”

“I know from speaking directly with him that his support is not symbolic, but rather it is a commitment to the financial backing, staffing, and resources available through the Mike Pence for Indiana Campaign Committee,” Holcomb wrote. “That is something no other candidate in this race can boast.”

Al Hubbard, an Indiana GOP mega-donor and former George W. Bush adviser, characterized Holcomb’s letter as “threatening” and said “I’m annoyed that Eric and his people would suggest that Mike is not going to support 100 percent who the committee chooses.”