Published: October 15, 2008 11:16 am         

Rep. Pence tells voters to forget polls, use their judgment

ELKHART, Ind. — Republicans worried about the outcome of the upcoming election need to ignore media reports and poll statistics and put their trust in the good judgment of the American people.

That was one of the primary messages presented by U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th, during a special brunch at the Athenian Ball Room in Elkhart Tuesday afternoon.

The brunch was aimed at drumming up support for the campaigns of fellow Republicans Dave Miller and Wes Culver.

Miller, R-Elkhart, is running against Craig Fry, D-Mishawaka, for the position of Indiana State Representative — District 5.

Culver, R-Goshen, is running against Vince Turner, I-Goshen, for the position of Indiana State Representative — District 49.

Pence, considered by many in his party to be one of the strongest leaders in the promotion of conservative principles, began his speech Tuesday by noting his support of both Miller and Culver.

“I am a proud supporter of these two men,” Pence said, adding that the selflessness and strong conservative values being promoted by Miller, Culver and other similar candidates are exactly what the Republican Party needs if it is to remain strong in the years to come.

Pence then urged those in attendance to remain steadfast in the midst of numerous news and media reports indicating that Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain is falling behind Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama in the polls.

“This is not the end of this campaign,” Pence said, noting that with only three weeks to go before the general election, it is more important than ever for Republicans to throw their support behind the party. “There’s only going to be one poll that matters, and it’s going to be three weeks from today.”

Pence said that during his eight years in office, he has seen his opinion of the establishment in Washington diminish.

At the same time, Pence said he has seen the strength, character and resolve of the American people grow, and it is those qualities that he predicts will lead the Republican Party to victory come Election Day.

However, Pence noted that such a victory will not come without effort, and again urged those in attendance not to lose their vision amidst the growing negativity surrounding the presidential race and the nation’s economic climate.

“I don’t want your vision to be defined by the sense of these times,” Pence said. “I really want your vision to be grounded in the American people.”

Concluding his speech with a more local focus, Pence noted that the citizens of Elkhart and the surrounding areas have a unique opportunity to change state government for the better by electing candidates such as Miller and Culver on Nov. 4.

“You have a unique opportunity to play a critical role,” Pence said, urging all those in attendance to venture out over the next three weeks and “tell the story” of these unique individuals.