News » Local

From Mayor to Lieutenant Governor?

By Megan Trent
May 18, 2012 Updated May 18, 2012 at 7:15 PM EDT

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - Could Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry be the next Lieutenant Governor of Indiana?

Rumors are swirling that democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg could ask Henry to be his running mate in the general election this fall. The state democratic convention will be held in the Summit City in less than a month, and many are speculating it may be the perfect setting for Henry's nomination.

Henry and Gregg would have an uphill battle if they were to take on Mike Pence, who currently leads in the polls. However, Henry says it's early in the race and he knows a thing or two about beating the odds.

"I've had challenges before and most of them have been successful," he says. "I know how to run a campaign. I know what would be expected of not only the gubernatorial candidate, but the lieutenant governor candidate as well."

Gregg hasn't called Henry yet to ask him to be his running mate, and Henry says for the moment he's content in his current role. "Right now I'm very, very happy being the mayor of the city of Fort Wayne. Again, I'm flattered - really happy that Fort Wayne would be recognized along with myself as a potential foundation for the lieutenant governor, but for right now I'm just very happy being the mayor."

Henry wouldn't have to step down from his position as mayor unless he was elected, but says it would take a lot to run a city the size of Fort Wayne while running for state office at the same time.

The mayor's salary also tops that of Indiana's lieutenant governor, which would mean a pay cut for Henry if elected. Henry says there are benefit packages and more that make the lieutenant governor position attractive to some people, but he doesn't believe any elected official should be motivated by money.



What are your thoughts CLICK HERE to leave us a "Your2Cents” comment.

Want to be in the know for the next weather event, the next school closing or the next big breaking news story?

TextCaster alerts from Indiana's NewsCenter are your defining source for instant information delivered right to your cell phone and email. It's free, easy and instant. Sign-Up Now!
Powered by Summit City Chevrolet



© Copyright 2013 A Granite Broadcasting Station. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.