Trump delays VP announcement after attack in France

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump has delayed the formal announcement of his vice presidential pick because of the apparent terrorist attack in France.

"In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow's news conference concerning my Vice Presidential announcement,” Trump tweeted. In the attack, a truck plowed into pedestrians in the portside city of Nice and reportedly killed several dozen people during a celebration of Bastille Day."

Several media outlets, including IBJ, have reported that Trump has selected Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. Those reports have been based on unnamed sources and Trump has continued to say he hasn't made up his mind. But CNN reported late Thursday that Trump has asked Pence to run and the governor has accepted.

Trump did not say immediately when the announcement would be rescheduled.

The timing is potentially awkward for Pence. According to state election law, he must submit a voluntary withdrawal from the governor’s race by noon Friday.

So must the other elected officials who hope to take Pence’s spot as the Republican gubernatorial candidate.

The question is whether the deadlines are rigid.

Longtime Statehouse observer Ed Feigenbaum, founder of INGroup, which publishes several public policy newsletters, told IBJ Thursday that he doesn’t see Friday’s deadline as critical for Pence.

“That's a voluntary withdrawal deadline,” Feigenbaum said. “The national party has until early September to certify the names on the (ticket). Pence could technically stay on the ballot until those names are certified. The way I understand federal case law in general is … the federal nomination would take precedent. I think he’s got a little more time."