Yearly Address Gives Pence Chance To Turn The Political Page

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Last year was challenging for Gov. Mike Pence after a number of his policy positions put the state in an unwanted spotlight.

Pence on Tuesday will deliver his annual State of the State address.

It offers him a chance to turn the corner on his handling of a divisive religious objections law, his initial opposition to needle exchanges to stem an HIV outbreak and his efforts to keep Syrian refugees out of Indiana.

Former Indiana Republican Party Chairman Mike McDaniel says those issues overshadowed Pence's significant accomplishments.

He expects Pence's speech will focus on job creation, an improving economy and low unemployment numbers.