On Friday, less than 60 hours before the kickoff of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump formally named Indiana Governor Mike Pence as his running mate.
Given Trump’s continued comments about and developing policy regarding manufacturing and reshoring, industry opinions have started to pour in. Pence has been a consistent supporter of policies favoring domestic companies, and Indiana was ranked fifth in a May survey of more than 500 CEOs asked which states are best for American businesses (up one spot from 2015, and behind only Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee).
Jay Timmons, National Association for Manufacturers, president and CEO: “Donald Trump has chosen a running mate who has proven executive experience, as well as a keen understanding of the legislative process. While in Congress, he was a champion for manufacturing, accruing a 90% lifetime voting record with the NAM.
“For manufacturers, however, this election isn’t about the personalities on the ticket. It’s about the policies these candidates support. We are encouraged, though, by Governor Pence’s support for pro-growth tax reform, regulatory reform, energy and healthcare policies. We hope Governor Pence, who has supported the Trans-Pacific Partnership, will persuade his running mate that expanded trade will make America even greater.
“Despite his many policy strengths, we have been disappointed by Governor Pence’s support for laws that fall short of protecting equal opportunity for all citizens. We hope a Trump-Pence ticket will strongly support and defend the equality of opportunity and recognize how diverse workforces strengthen businesses and their communities.
“Ultimately, we hope both Trump and Pence will use their campaign to advance an agenda that truly supports manufacturing and the more than 12 million men and women who make things in America.”
Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO, president:
