INDIANAPOLIS | A nonpartisan, national publication that rates the probable outcomes of state and local political races has downgraded Gov. Mike Pence's chances of winning re-election next year.
In January, Governing Magazine declared the Republican incumbent "safe" for a second four-year term. The publication even speculated he might take a shot at simultaneously running for governor and president.
But when the magazine updated its expected gubernatorial outcomes Thursday, Pence no longer was rated "safe" or even "likely" to win re-election.
Governing said the contest now only "leans" toward Pence and could become a "toss-up" if Hoosier Democrats decide which of their three candidates will challenge him.
Pence's ratings drop is due to fallout associated with the March-April "religious freedom" debacle that embarrassed Hoosiers when businesses and other Americans avoided the state due to its perceived anti-gay bias, the magazine said.
A June public opinion poll of registered Hoosier voters found 54 percent believe the governor does not deserve a second term.
"Pence has had a rough couple of months," the magazine said. "(He) has retained the backing of Christian conservatives and Tea Party supporters, but his standing among other Hoosiers has dimmed."
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell shrugged off the report and said he has no doubt Pence still will win a second term.
"We look forward to a competitive race and believe with the governor's record of success in job creation, investing in education and growing the Indiana economy, Hoosier voters will make him their choice again in 2016," Cardwell said.
Drew Anderson, spokesman for the Indiana Democratic Party, said Pence's habit of putting his ideology above the needs of Hoosiers is going to cost him, and deservedly so.
"Everyday Hoosiers are fed up with his out-of-touch policies that have divided our state and caused hardworking folks to make additional sacrifices just to make ends meet," Anderson said.