Pence inner circle includes old, new hands

Associated Press

Updated: Dec 16, 2012 10:44 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov.-elect Mike Pence will bring in an inner circle of trusted advisers all his own to the governor's office next year.

Pence and outgoing Gov. Mitch Daniels are both Republicans, but that's where the similarities end when it comes to where they draw their counsel.

A Pence staffer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because Pence and his staff guard their strategy closely, said the inner circle is a small group comprised of Chief of Staff Bill Smith, First Lady Karen Pence, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, Budget Director Chris Atkins and Political Director Chris Crabtree.

Longtime Daniels confidant Mark Lubbers said the importance of the inner circle is not each individual but how they work together as a team to support their boss.

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