Reince Priebus believes the Republican Party could be in for a rough midterm election if leaders don’t follow through on two key campaign promises.
Of health care and tax reform: “If you’re selling something continuously that you’re going to get it done, you’ve got to get it done. You can’t misrepresent,” says the former White House chief of staff.
“… Reform (of both) is a must and without it, I don’t think good things are going to happen to the Republican Party.”
Priebus will headline the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Indiana Legislative Dinner on February 13 in downtown Indianapolis. He recently spoke in-depth with the Indiana Chamber’s BizVoice® magazine (for the Jan/Feb issue) about his time working with President Trump and as head of the Republican National Committee, overseeing the most crowded and contentious presidential primary in modern American history.
Today, Priebus remains in Washington, D.C. The Wisconsin native has rejoined a former employer, a Milwaukee-based law firm, and has begun speaking around the country. Though he says he has enjoyed his time away from the national spotlight, Priebus is gearing up to jump back into the political scene, offering commentary and insights on national television.
“By the time I get back to Indiana (in February), I’ll be on TV a lot more … on Fox and CNN. I wanted to get away from it all for a while. Not have to be asked about every single media controversy taking place – and give everyone some space,” Priebus explains.
“I’ve (also) had a great time staying in touch with the President and that part has not stopped. Nice to be helpful without it having to be your job.”
Priebus also spoke fondly about Vice President Mike Pence, touting the former Indiana Governor’s ability to connect with lawmakers.
“(Pence is) a really great liaison to Capitol Hill. … It’s like having a super legislative hero helping you on a daily basis in counting votes and talking to legislators,” Priebus offers. “He’s a great friend and advisor to the President. There were never any real huge decisions we made that the VP wasn’t sitting right there next to me or the President and chiming in and giving advice of what to do or what not to do.”
Presented by Ice Miller, the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Dinner is the premier networking event of the 2018 Indiana General Assembly session and brings together policymakers, government and business leaders from across the state.
Tickets are on sale now: gold tables are $2,500, standard tables $1,650 and individual tickets $165. The event will take place at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Purchase tickets online at www.indianachamber.com/specialevents or call (317) 264-6885.
Sponsorships are available. Contact Jim Wagner at (317) 264-6876.
Gold sponsors are: Eli Lilly and Company; Horizon Bank; NIPSCO; and St. Vincent. Silver sponsors are: American Chemistry Council; AT&T Indiana; Delta Dental of Indiana; French Lick Resort; Hoosiers Work for Health; IGT Indiana; Magna International; Majestic Star Casino & Hotel; Old National Bank; Roche Diagnostics Corporation; Smithville; The Kroger Co.; and Vectren.
