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http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-an...813f8110c3.html

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Pence to play BIG ROLE in Trump administration, aides say

By MATTHEW NUSSBAUM 11/10/16 12:23 PM EST

Mike Pence intends to take on a robust role as vice president, senior aides said, adding that his presence at a series of Capitol Hill meetings with Donald Trump on Thursday underscored his role.

"Mike's presence in the meeting is an indication of the role Mike will play,” a senior Pence aide told reporters on the flight to D.C. “When Trump first vetted Mike, and they sat down and talked about it, Mike asked him how he envisioned the role of the vice president, and it was clear that Mike's experience on Capitol Hill, his experience of 12 years in the House, plus serving in leadership, his familiarity with members of the leadership team there, as well as being a governor and part of the RGA executive committee, he has a lot of relationships not just on Capitol Hill but across state capitals across the country."

The aide continued, "So there is an appreciation that that is something Mike brings, so I think you will see Mike having a very active role as a liaison to Capitol Hill with both Leader McConnell and with Speaker Ryan.”

Pence won’t be “pigeon-holed in a legislative role,” the aide added. “He’s going to have a broader role than that, but a key component will be legislative.”

His broader role has already begun, the aide said. “Mike will have a large role in the transition,” the aide said.

Throughout Trump's turbulent run for president, Pence kept up an active schedule on the campaign trail, often holding two rallies per day during the final stretch. But there were also reports that Pence was kept out of Trump's inner circle at times, as the billionaire relied heavily on the advice of his adult children, though the two spoke by phone every day.

Another aide on Thursday praised the Pence staffers' integration with the Trump staff, and said that has continued into the transition.

“It’s not two teams, it’s one team,” he said. That comes from Trump's and Pence’s own working relationship, he said, the importance of which is demonstrated by Pence’s presence at today’s meetings.

“It’s important not just symbolism, it’s important tactically as they start planning their administration,” he said.