Pence, who grew up in Columbus, spoke of his fondness for his home state. "I want to run for governor because I love this state," he said. "Indiana is the heart of the heartland, and Hoosiers are the best people on Earth."

He went on to praise the work of Gov. Mitch Daniels in the past seven years. But he acknowledged there are still challenges to face, particularly in unemployment and education. He noted that "we still have 250,000 Hoosiers unemployed" and thousands of others  under-employed. He added that "we've got to get the federal government out of the schools. Education is a state and local function. We've got work to do, progress to make."

Also in attendance at the dinner was 2nd District Congressional candidate Jackie Walorski. Speaking to her and the audience Pence said that on the federal and state levels, Hoosiers need to lead the way to "reduce the size and scope of the federal government and return to the states that which is rightfully theirs." Measures he addressed specifically were the need to oppose "cap and trade" legislation and taxes, to repeal "Obama Care," and to repeal the state inheritance tax.

Pence shared that for the first time in his 10 years in Congress he has heard some Hoosiers tell him they are scared. He observed that "Hoosiers don't get scared, they get worried." He believes the source of this fear is the behavior of both political parties in the past decade. "There is frustration over the lack of progress in a divided Congress," he said.

He emphasized the need to continue Daniels' work in achieving fiscal responsibility, and that Indiana can become an example for other states.  "Hoosier values are the source of our strength. Fiscal responsibility. Personal responsibility. We need to make Indiana the most attractive place to live, work and retire. Indiana can be the answer."

Pence declined to endorse any of the Republican candidates running for president, saying only that he is "confident we'll produce a ticket and a team" that will succeed in November.

Pence was introduced to the audience by Indiana 2nd District Republican chairman Sam Frain of Winamac.

Pence will face Indianapolis businessman Jim Wallace in the May Primary for the Republican nomination for governor. The winner will face former Indiana Speaker of the House Democrat John R. Gregg in the November election.