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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFormer Indiana House Speaker John Gregg kicked off his campaign for governor Saturday with a rally in his hometown, telling supporters that if elected his priorities would be helping the state's schools and businesses.
About 200 people braved chilly, windy conditions to attend Saturday morning's rally in a park in Sandborn, about 40 miles south of Terre Haute. The Democrat said in prepared remarks that he was officially launching his campaign for governor because he was concerned about the state's business climate and the state of its schools.
"Unfair trade deals have cost Indiana jobs, and education cuts have cost our children their future. As governor, I'll put Indiana businesses first and invest in education so that our children are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow," he said.
Gregg had lunch with supporters in Spencer after the rally and then was expected to head to Indianapolis for an afternoon rally at the Indiana War Memorial.
The 57-year-old lawyer represented parts of Vigo, Sullivan, Greene, Knox, and Daviess counties in the House for 10 years before he was chosen as speaker in 1996. He held that position until 2002.
The Indiana Democratic Party endorsed Gregg in August, three months after he announced he would run for governor.
Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels can't run again because of the state's term limits. Rep. Mike Pence, who's from Columbus, and Fishers businessman Jim Wallace are seeking the Republican nomination.
Saturday's rallies start five days of travel around the state that Gregg's campaign said will focus on listening to Hoosiers' concerns.
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