Pence picks state Rep. Sue Ellspermann as running mate - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Republican Mike Pence has picked state Rep. Sue Ellspermann as his running mate in the Indiana governor's race.

Pence is scheduled to tour Indiana with Ellspermann Monday. The two planned to make stops in Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Merrillville.

The freshman lawmaker could shore up Pence's support in southwestern Indiana and with women. She also has the economic development experience Pence says he's looking for in a running mate.

Pence is running against Democrat John Gregg - who's also from southwestern Indiana - and Libertarian Rupert Boneham. Gov. Mitch Daniels is barred by law from seeking a third term.

From Pence's campaign:

"Sue Ellspermann has the integrity, business background and experience in state government that will make her a great Lt. Governor," said Pence. "She will be a tremendous asset as we work to bring more jobs to Indiana."

Ellspermann has had a very successful career in engineering and management. She holds a bachelor's degree and a PhD in industrial engineering from Purdue and the University of Louisville. Ellspermann founded her own consulting business, which she ran for 20 years before joining the University of Southern Indiana in 2006 as the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Economic Development.

In 2010, Ellspermann decided to run for the Indiana House of Representatives to help tackle the multitude of challenges facing rural Indiana. She was elected to represent Dubois, Perry, Spencer and Warrick counties. Ellspermann served as Vice Chair of Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and was a member of the Small Business, Commerce and Economic Development Committee and Election and Apportionment Committee.

"Mike Pence's top priority is job creation," said Ellspermann. "As an engineer, I understand the importance of technical skills development in our workforce to attract high wage, high tech jobs to Indiana."

Ellspermann and her husband, Jim, live in Ferdinand. They have four adult daughters.

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