Responses from the state Republican Chairman Jeff Cardwell, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and State Senator Jim Banks have been distributed shortly after Gov. Mike Pence’s announcement that Eric J. Holcomb has been chosen as his nominee as the 51st lieutenant governor for the state. Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann is expected to step down in the upcoming weeks as she pursues the opportunity to become president of Ivy Tech Community College.

Sen. Jim Banks, conservative Republican candidate for Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, sent this statement: “I have had the pleasure of knowing Eric Holcomb for many years and his service to our country was influential in my decision to enter the U.S. Naval Reserves. I look forward to Eric reversing the trend of fewer veterans serving in government; his continued record of service to our state is commendable in that regard.

“I am glad that Gov. Pence has selected someone to be our next lieutenant governor who has the experience to serve from day one. As someone who has sacrificed for his country, Hoosier veterans can be more certain that their voices will be heard in state government. His experience in the Navy will serve him well in continuing the efforts to preserve the military footprint in our state and foster expanded defense investments, especially at the Fort Wayne Air Guard base.”

From Washington D.C., Walorski sent this response: “No one has done a better job of serving the state like Lt. Gov. Ellspermann and she leaves some big shoes to fill in her departure, but I am confident Eric Holcomb will fill those shoes. His tenure of public service to the State of Indiana has been nothing short of remarkable and I look forward to working with him.”

Cardwell issued this statement: “The Indiana Republican Party would like to congratulate Eric Holcomb on the nomination to succeed Sue Ellspermann as the lieutenant governor of Indiana. Eric has extensive knowledge of state government from his time as chief of staff for Sen. Dan Coats (R-IN) and as a senior aide in the Gov. Daniels administration. I am confident that Eric would serve the great state of Indiana with Hoosier pride and conviction. I wish to formally welcome him to the campaign as we head into an exciting and historic election cycle.”