VP Pence to flex fundraising muscle for Republicans

Pence is also a longtime devotee of conservative causes with deep ties to GOP donors and party activists that date back to his 12 years in Congress. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

ANDERSON, Ind.— Vice-President Mike Pence is flexing his campaigning and fundraising muscles ahead of the 2018 elections, using the celebrity of his office and his prodigious fundraising abilities to help Republican candidates.

Even in areas where President Donald Trump could create a headache, a Pence appearance is unlikely to make a stir for candidates in swing districts.

Pence is also a longtime devotee of conservative causes with deep ties to GOP donors and party activists that date back to his 12 years in Congress.

That makes him an attractive get for Republican campaigns looking to rally their base and raise money.

He helped draw more than 1,400 to Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst’s fundraiser in June.

Last spring he launched his own PAC to raise money for Trump’s re-election and other Republicans.