Vice President? Pence matches some of Hendricks’ accomplishments

The following was originally published July 16, 2016.

“The governor is two minutes out.”

Frequent updates were given by Governor Mike Pence’s staff members as Shelby County Republican Party Chairman J.R. Showers, Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen and I waited near the Thomas A. Hendricks cabin in anticipation of the governor’s arrival at the fairgrounds last week.

CNN and other national media outlets waited on the midway, hopeful for video footage of the Governor and Mrs. Karen Pence leaving their vehicle and walking toward food vendors. While the staff members focused on logistics, we locals talked about the latest rumors of Pence’s candidacy as Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick. While the Pences had recently visited with the Trump family, the governor repeated a familiar line to media outlets throughout the week: “Nothing was offered; nothing was accepted.”

In the midst of the conversation, someone floated the idea of getting the Governor’s photo in front of the Hendricks cabin. As noted in last week’s paper, Hendricks was the 16th governor of Indiana, U.S. House of Representatives and Senator from Indiana, and the 21st vice president, serving under Democrat Grover Cleveland.

Hendricks served until his death eight months after accepting the position. Hendricks’ experience mirrors Republican Mike Pence’s in many ways. Pence was also in the U.S. House of Representatives and served as governor. Both men graduated from Hanover College. With reports of Trump offering the vice president candidate slot to Pence as of Thursday’s press deadline, Pence has an opportunity to match another of Hendricks’ accomplishments.

The original Hendricks cabin was rebuilt and relocated in the 1960s to the Shelby County Fairgrounds. While a picture would be priceless, especially if Pence were on a winning ticket, who would be bold enough to ask? Upon exiting the car, Pence told me he would answer questions after taking the opportunity to tour the grounds.

The Pences toured and I asked questions. But I ended up in another discussion and missed walking with them back to the car. Enter the confidence of Brad Landwerlen. The Shelby County Prosecutor recommended the Governor and his wife stop for a photo with the cabin. Pence agreed to the picture, but asked it not be immediately published, particularly in light of the then-current open vice presidential debate.

But as Thursday’s reports reached the masses, the photo becomes relevant. Perhaps it will result in nothing more than a footnote of history. Or, maybe Landwerlen documented the past and future with one prudent and bold shot at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.