Gregg chooses Indianapolis representative for running mate

"In Christina Hale, I've found a partner who shares my commitment to working across the aisle to get things done," said Gregg. "Throughout her career, Christina has demonstrated that she is a consensus builder, a problem solver, and someone who isn't afraid to take on the tough issues. That's exactly the type of leadership Indiana needs."

Hale is completing her second term representing the north side of Indianapolis in the Indiana House of Representatives. While in the House, Hale worked with Republican majorities on legislation to support small business, fight crime, combat sexual assault, lower utility rates and bring attention to the state's water and sewer infrastructure needs. She currently serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development; Insurance; and Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications committees.

"I know John Gregg to be a good man and a great leader," said Hale. "He is committed to finding solutions and getting the work of the people done and so am I. We share an ambitious vision for all Hoosiers to create solid economic opportunities and strong schools, while responsibly addressing the ever-pressing needs of our failing infrastructure and our state's drug and crime problems."

Fellow Democrats expressed support of the choice of Hale for the second spot on the state ticket.

"I believe she is a great choice," said Daviess County Democrat Party Chairman Dave Crooks. "Representative Hale is bright, articulate and she is a proven problem solver. Indiana will be well served by the Gregg-Hale ticket. They will focus on creating better paying jobs and making Indiana a better state."

Governor Mike Pence, who earlier this spring selected former Republican party chairman Eric Holcomb to be his running mate, welcomed Hale to the campaign with a statement: "Congratulations to Representative Christina Hale on her selection to join the Democrat ticket. We welcome her to the race and look forward to a spirited debate about continuing Indiana's job growth and soaring economic future."

Pence was joined by the State Republican Party in recognizing Hale's new position. "With more Hoosiers going to work each morning than ever before, the creation of over 150,000 new private sector jobs, and record capital investment under Governor Mike Pence, Indiana Republicans look forward to beginning the conversation with the Clinton/Gregg/Hale ticket regarding Indiana's continued economic success," said Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell. "We are pleased by John Gregg's decision to name a running mate who has been recognized as a champion for education reform."

Pence and the Republican leadership might have been welcoming to Hale's entry into the race, but most likely did not care for her remarks from her introductory press conference where she took aim a Pence, saying his actions had hurt the state. She said a Gregg-Hale statehouse would work to move Indiana "beyond the gaffes of the past four years."

Pence has taken a lot of criticism for his handling of the state's religious objections law that he signed last year and a new law this year that bans abortions sought because of fetal genetic abnormalities. During a stop in Daviess County over the weekend Gregg talked about the Governor's social agenda. "This governor seems to be real big on telling people where to live and who to live with, and now he's decided he wants to go to the doctor with all of the women in Indiana," Gregg said.

Hale continued that theme. "Now, of late, we've been driven by one man's ideology," said Hale. "But we can't let one person's personal ideology define Indiana's future, even when that person is our governor."

Hale was born and raised in Michigan City and attended Purdue University. Before joining the General Assembly she worked with Kiwanis International, in various roles in state government and as a newspaper reporter. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband Chris and has an adult son, Owen.