Choice of Pence Adds a Conservative Fossil Fuel Backer to GOP Ticket

"As Indiana's governor, Mike Pence has been a strong coal advocate, opposed renewable energy standards and has enjoyed the support of the Koch brothers."

"Donald Trump's choice for vice president, the conservative governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, denies climate change and is an outspoken coal advocate. His record has made him a favorite in the very conservative wing of the Republican Party and earned him large contributions from the fossil fuel industry.

Pence has led efforts in Indiana to slash taxes, to oppose gay marriage and gay rights, as well as abortion and other conservative reform causes. He supported an amendment to the State Constitution that banned same-sex marriage, which even the Republican-dominated legislature believed went too far in limiting gay rights. He has enjoyed significant support from the billionaire Koch brothers in his past campaigns. They donated more than $300,000 to his gubernatorial campaign in 2012.

The Koch brothers, however, have not been supporters of Trump, so it's unclear if his choice of Pence will sway them into backing the ticket."

Zahra Hirji reports for InsideClimate News July 15, 2016.

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"Campaign 2016: 'Global Warming Is A Myth. ... There, I Said It'" (ClimateWire)