Indiana Gov. Mike Pence addressed a church congregation in Mesa Thursday night. It was the first chance for many Arizonans to size up the Republican vice presidential candidate.
Speaking at the Living Word Bible Church in Mesa, Pence sought to convey an air of humility. He spoke of his grandfather’s immigration to the United States and his family’s meager beginnings.
"I tell people, other than a whole lot of zeroes, Donald Trump and I have a whole lot in common,” Pence said, joking about his running mate's wealth.
While Pence hit on popular Republican topics like improving the economy, cutting taxes, and balancing the budget, he also spoke about the importance of humbling one’s self before God.
Gloria McDougal of Mesa thought Pence’s approach offered a different tone for the ticket.
“He sounds like a really nice guy," McDougal said, "a perfect balance for Trump. I mean not that Trump isn’t a nice guy, it’s just that he’s a little wild sometimes.”
Jean Frakes of Gilbert was impressed by Pence’s unapologetic stance as a Christian Conservative.
“It was so uplifting," Frakes said about seeing Pence for the first time in person. "He is a tremendous man, a man of faith, and we need to have faith in god back in this country.”
Pence said he would continue to champion the issues of religious freedom, school choice and lower taxes that have been hallmarks of his tenure as Indiana’s Governor if he were to join Trump in the White House. Pence closed by pledging a Trump administration would nominate Supreme Court Justices to overturn the landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade.
