nslckevin wrote:
Don't forget that Trump's Vice President elect is in fact still the governor of Indiana, the state that granted those tax breaks. I doubt that Pence could unilaterally make that call, but as GOVERNOR of Indiana, he's kind of got a lot of influence there.
I think Pence was actively involved in this entire process from when talks started last year (before he even became VP nominee), to when they fell apart this summer to probably being one of the 2-3 people who continued to call and try to work out a solution here. I think when Trump placed his phone call to the CEO and got any traction at all he probably turned him back over to Pence (maybe before hanging up).
As in fact still the governor of Indiana that is probably exactly what happened. Pence was knowledgeable about the deal already on the table and worked with the IN depts. involved to change or enhance the deal.
As far as I know being voted in as VP doesn't change Pence's current duty to try to do his best for the IN taxpayer.
If I was beginning today to look for targeted tax breaks or other incentives for my company I would make 2 phone calls. One to the US congressman who's district represents my business location (to his office) and one to the Governor's office. I would either get lip or no service from both but would expect them to turn me over to the WI economic development arm for review and discussion.
If I was the CEO of UT/Carrier I would expect both the congressman and the governor to actively work on my behalf to get a deal done.
Edit: BTW for the sake of this country I hope once both Trump and Pence are sworn in that Pence takes the behind the scenes lead on many issues like this. For a lot of reasons......