Holcomb declines comment significantly more than former Gov. Pence
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb is approachable, even affable. He’s a nice guy. But the ‘aw shucks’ is in stark contrast to Holcomb’s iron curtain approach to negative press. In a quick study of the two and a half years of clips Holcomb has generated as governor, he has refused to comment on at least 19 stories, including reports on turmoil at the Department of Child Services, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and friction between Holcomb and Attorney General Curtis Hill. A similiar review of former Governor Mike Pence’s clips over his four year term turned up 11 similiar refusals. Holcomb, who heralded the importance of ‘being transparent’ as key to his success in a glowing Governing Magazine profile, is all cowboy boots and no cattle when it comes to actually being transparent.
Holcomb declines comment clips
From the IndyStar Indiana veterans’ affairs staffers resign after scandal; criminal investigation opened
“IndyStar sought reaction from Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is ultimately responsible for the IDVA, but his office provided only a statement from January in which Holcomb says he has directed Wimer to “make any and all necessary changes to restore the confidence of the department and the trust of Hoosier veterans.”
From the IndyStar IDVA workers got welfare benefits for needy vets — including child care, posh couples retreat
“Holcomb, who is ultimately responsible for the agency, and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Jennifer Walthall, who administers the state’s TANF money, also declined to comment.”
From the Associated Press Indiana House Oks limits on gambling officials’ access governor
“How would we know?” he asked. “It wasn’t a public meeting. It wasn’t announced.” The governor’s office declined to comment.
From Fox59 Lawsuit filed on behalf of children seeks changes with state’s DCS system
“Now I did reach out to Governor Holcomb’s office for a response. We are still waiting to hear back.”
From RTV6 Top DCS official, former prosecutor out after a year on the job
“The Indiana State Personnel Department did not provide a reason for Meyer’s resignation, and RTV6 could not reach Meyer for comment.”
From Indiana Public Media DCS Target Of New Class Action Lawsuit
“A DCS spokeswoman says the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation. Holcomb’s office didn’t respond to interview requests.”
From the Associated Press Lawsuit seeks to block Indiana ban on abortion procedure
“Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.”
From the NWI Times Indiana Republicans OK platform plank to make abortion unconstitutional and outlaws some types of birth control
“Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb did not respond to a request for comment on the platform change.”
From RTV6 Indiana schools chief worries safety grants boost inadequate
“The governor’s office declined additional comment on Monday.”
From the Associated Press Indiana attorney general says groping allegations are false
“Hill said Monday that he respects the governor but wished he would have reached out to him “before rushing to judgment.” Holcomb spokeswoman Stephanie Wilson said the governor declined comment Monday.”
From the Associated Press Holcomb played behind-the-scenes role on bill
“Holcomb’s office declined to comment on his behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Instead, they released the same statement they issued Tuesday after the bill was killed.”
From the NWI Times Governor approves new abortion restrictions, legal challenge expected
“Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed into law two measures approved by the Republican-controlled General Assembly that further restrict the availability of abortion in Indiana.
“The Republican chief executive did not issue any statement in connection with his enactment of House Enrolled Act 1211 and Senate Enrolled Act 201.”
From the Associated Press ACLU sues Indiana over second-trimester abortion procedure ban
“Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office declined to comment on the lawsuit.”
From the Indianapolis Business Journal Holcomb signs bill that loosens car dealership rules on document-prep fees
“Previously, charging document fees that exceeded the real cost for dealers to prepare those documents was considered an unfair sales practice under the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.
“Holcomb declined a request for comment from IBJ through his spokesman about why he signed the bill.”
From RTV6 Here are the bills Gov. Holcomb is signing into law
“With “no comment” from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R) on SEA 309 which fundamentally changes net metering which is needed for customer-owned solar, small wind and other DG systems to be cost-effective; portends a negative impact for 1) energy choice and freedom for utility customers; and 2) small businesses who install solar and therefore, reducing the future for clean energy jobs in Indiana.”
From Indiana Public Media Holcomb Won’t Call For Investigation Into Allegations Against Bosma
“Bosma denies both accusations.
“Holcomb won’t call for any investigation. And he says he won’t comment without an “official report” of the allegations.”
From the IndyStar Eric Holcomb’s access to Mike Pence’s campaign cash might be restricted
“A spokesman for Holcomb’s campaign declined to comment, referring questions to Pence’s campaign.”
From the NWI Times State leaders decline comment on Fair Oaks
“Spokeswomen for Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is on vacation this week, and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s secretary of agriculture, did not respond Wednesday to requests for comment on the potentially criminal animal cruelty depicted in the videos recorded by Animal Recovery Mission, a Florida-based animal rights group.”
From the IndyStar Eric Holcomb under fire after declining interview with black newspaper
“She concluded: “Shame on Eric Holcomb for snubbing the minority community.”
“Holcomb declined to comment through his campaign spokesman, Pete Seat.
Gov. Pence declines comment clips
From the Huffington Post Angie’s List CEO who opposed Indiana ‘Religious Freedom’ Law could challenge Mike Pence
“A spokesman for Pence’s campaign had no comment on Oesterle’s resignation.”
From the Daily Beast ‘Pravda’ On The Plains: How Indiana Governor Mike Pence Wants To Make News
“Reached by The Daily Beast, “Just IN” Managing Editor McCleery declined to comment; the governor’s communications director and press secretary, likewise, didn’t respond to email and voicemail messages.”
From the New York Times ‘Periods for Pence’ Campaign Targets Indiana Governor Over Abortion Law
“His spokeswoman, Kara Brooks, did not respond to a request for comment about the latest social media backlash.”
From the NWI Times | Marriage amendment will not be on ballot in ‘14
“A spokeswoman for the governor had no comment on Thursday’s Senate action.”
From the NWI Times Democrats want details of Pence public relations spending
“A message seeking comment from Pence’s spokeswoman was referred to the IEDC.”
From WTHR | Indiana State Auditor Dwayne Sawyer unexpectedly resigns
“He resigned for personal and family reasons and I respect his decision,” Pence told Eyewitness News. Asked for more details, the governor offered little additional information.”
From
the Associated Press
NRA instructs Indiana National Guard on
firearms
“Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks declined to comment and directed inquiries to the Indiana National Guard.”
From Politco Mike Pence’s Koch advantage
“Pence, whose office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, has had preliminary discussions about exploring a presidential run.”
From the IndyStar Chicks on the Right: Giving conservatism a makeover
“Current Indiana Gov. Mike Pence didn’t respond to a request for an interview about the chicks. Clark and Weaver say some Republicans are a bit leery of them.”
From the Associated Press Veteran advocates push for legislative action on services
“Nearly 476,000 military veterans live in Indiana. The governor’s office didn’t respond immediately to a request for comment.”
From Business Insider Indiana’s governor seems to have a long history of opposing gay rights
“Pence’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider on the old campaign website.”
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody doubted Holcomb would divert from the playbook and would continue to skirt bad press.
“It would be extremely on-brand for Holcomb to ‘no comment’ a story about his lack of transparency,” said Zody. “The governor owes Hoosier taxpayers an explanation, even when it means bad press for Holcomb. You can’t just run out the clock, it’s your job to answer to taxpayers. He can’t pick and choose when to be transparent. Accountability isn’t optional.”
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