Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence
Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)
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TRENTON — Multiple media sources report that Donald Trump has selected Indiana governor Mike Pence as his running mate.

Trump has said he would make the announcement on Friday in New York but word has leaked out, according to Pence's hometown newspaper, the Indianapolis Star, along with the New York Times, CNN and Fox News. All were citing unnamed Republicans said to have knowledge of the decision.

Trump's campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, told the Times that Trump has not notified any potential nominee of the Republican's choice. Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks made a similar statement to the Star.

Pence, along with Gov, Chris Christie, former House Speaker Rep. Newt Gingrich and retired Army Lt. Micheal Flynn were all under consideration for the job. They'd been interviewed by Trump's family and made campaign appearances with Trump over the past two weeks.

Christie told MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace on Thursday that he has no involvement in Trump's selection process and joked that he would give a bias opinion. "No matter what phone call he makes to me today I will take a deep breath and prepare for tomorrow,"   The governor, who has already been named to lead Trump's transition team, said he is a competitive person and would be disappointed if he wasn't selected.

Newt Gingrich, during a Facebook live event about his role in the campaign and Trump's vice presidential selection process Thursday afternoon, said he was "flattered" to be a finalist but has not heard of a final decision.

 

Pence quickly exited a speaking event in Indianapolis Thursday morning without taking questions from reporters. His staff had not released details of any other planned appearances Thursday.

Pence is running for re-election, but Indiana law prevents him from seeking two offices at once. He faces a Friday deadline to withdraw from the governor's race.

 

A Republican familiar with Pence's thinking said the paperwork has been drawn up for him to take that step. However, the documents have not been filed, according to the Republican, who insisted on anonymity because that person was not authorized to publicly discuss Pence's plans.

Trump was making his final decision from California, where he is scheduled to attend a series of fundraisers at a distance from many of his closest advisers.

— With reports from the Associated PRess.

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