Protesters welcome Gov. Pence to Lincoln Dinner
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) A small group of protesters were outside Tuesday night’s GOP Lincoln Dinner where Governor Mike Pence was the keynote speaker.
Tyler Cooley organized the protest ahead of the dinner, which attracted more than a dozen protesters.
“We’re out here just letting Fort Wayne and Allen County know that Mike Pence is not the only option and Mike Pence is not a good option for them,” Cooley said.
Protesters held signs and started chants on the sidewalk outside of Hotel Fort Wayne where the dinner was held.
“I’m really get fed up with the way they are running over us with all of these agendas that really are not grassroots,” protester Molly Brogan said. “They are not born of the people.”
“I always tell our kids that’s what freedom looks like. Look, this is a state filled with people with strong hearts and strong opinions and we really look forward to a debate over Indiana’s future.”
Some were protesting Pence’s involvement with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which reportedly caused the state to lose millions in tourism money after it was signed into law. Others were protesting the latest controversial law.
“Most recently his drive to destroy a woman’s right to choose,” Cooley said referring to an abortion law that prevents woman from getting an abortion based on race, sex, or disability. “Whether you agree with abortion or not what he has done is taken away freedom for a woman and her doctor to make a decision about her body.”
It’s a law Pence said he stands by.
“I understand that the issue of right to life generates strong feelings, but I’m pro-life and I was proud to stand by that legislation and I stand by that,” Pence said.
Inside the event Pence focused on Indiana’s successes over the past decade, including investing in infrastructure and cutting taxes.
“The chance to share that story tonight and to encourage everyone that shares our enthusiasm to go out across Allen County and across Northeast Indiana and tell the story in the next six and half months is a great privilege for our family,” Pence said.
Pence also commented on Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz coming to Indiana this week. He said he will be meeting with both candidates ahead of their appearances. When asked if he has endorsed a candidate, he said he has not but he is not ruling it out.
Trump is hosting a rally Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Cruz is attending the GOP Spring Dinner Thursday night in Indianapolis.