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In a wide ranging conversation, Governor Mike Pence appeared on Afternoons with Amos discussing a number of critical issues. Amos asked the Governor about criticisms from the Republican Governor of Utah, Gary Herbert, who said Indiana’s new standards were “mirroring” the controversial Common Core educational standards.  Gov. Pence told Amos that Indiana is developing their own strong, comprehensive educational standards that reflected “Indiana values” not national values. He pleasantly dismissed criticism from Governor Herbert and others.  Asked by Amos what would be done to educate Hoosier parents, teachers, students and residents about the new standards so students could be prepared, the Governor, while not directly answering the question, did indicate that he thought it was important that the standards be completed in time for teachers to get acclimated with the standards for the 2014-2015 school year. Gov. Pence talked to Afternoons with Amos while on the way to an announcement of more jobs in Vigo County.  Amos asked the Governor about the fluctuating unemployment and employment data for Indiana.  And asked when would we see more jobs coming to the City of Indianapolis.  The Governor repeated his pledge that his Administration is focused on bringing and growing more jobs in the state, including in Indianapolis.  On education, the Governor talked about the bipartisan success with the publicly funded pre-kindergarten program for lower income families.  Pence lauded the fact that this was a priority for both him and the Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature.  He thanked both parties for their support of the effort.  Asked whether there would be an agreement with the Federal Government that would allow health care expansion utilizing the Healthy Indiana Plan, the Governor continued to be optimistic that there might be an agreement with the Obama Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services.  Gov. Pence described his February meeting with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius as open and hopefully productive.  The Governor indicated that the his office would be sending a proposal to HHS very soon.  Addressing recent speculation in the online publication Politico that he was being considered in GOP circles as a possible 2016 Presidential hopeful, Gov. Pence demurred saying that the task at hand in Indiana was his priority.  Asked whether Republicans should look for a 2016 nominee who was a conservative who believed in reaching out to all points of view like himself, the Governor while not directly addressing his involvement, Pence did indicate that his party should look at someone who is conservative but who can engage other points of view. And the Governor commented about attending that White House dinner where he was seated next to First Lady Michelle Obama.  Asked if that was a difficult deliberate decision by the White House, Pence demurred, but did go out of his way to praise the President as President, while acknowledging policy differences. Click the Arrow to Hear Amos’ Interview with Governor Mike Pence. Runs 18 Minutes ©2014 WTLC/Radio One.