Elections

Mike Pence Breaks From Trump And Endorses Paul Ryan

REUTERS/Mike Segar

Alex Pfeiffer White House Correspondent
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Indiana governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence endorsed Speaker of the House Paul Ryan in his primary battle Wednesday, a day after his running mate Donald Trump refused to back Ryan.

“I talked to Donald Trump this morning about my support for Paul Ryan, a longtime friendship, he strongly encouraged me to endorse Paul Ryan in next Tuesday’s primary. I’m pleased to do it,” Pence said on Fox News. Trump said in an interview Tuesday “I’m just not quite there yet” when it comes to endorsing the House Speaker.

In May, Ryan said before endorsing Trump, “I’m just not ready to do that at this point. I’m not there right now.”

Pence went on to say in his interview: “Well I think what Donald Trump said, he is not there yet. These are two men that are building a great relationship and I’m very confident after Donald Trump is elected president and Paul Ryan is reelected to Congress and as Speaker of the House, these two men are going to do great things to restore the country at home and abroad.”

“Well look, it takes time to have relationships together. I strongly support Paul Ryan, strongly endorse his re-election. He is a long time friend, he’s a strong conservative leader,” Pence added.