Trump meets with Indiana Governor Pence amid vice presidential speculation

WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) - Donald Trump met with Indiana Governor Mike Pence on Wednesday, heightening speculation that Pence could emerge as the Republican presidential candidate's choice for vice presidential running mate.

Trump was joined at the governor's residence for breakfast in Indianapolis by his daughter, Ivanka; son-in-law Jared Kushner; and sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

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The presumptive Republican presidential nominee and Pence had campaigned together at a rally on Tuesday night in Westfield, Indiana.

Trump is expected to announce his choice on Friday. Republicans close to the campaign said they believed the New York businessman had narrowed his short list to Pence, former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.

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Pence, 57, a former congressman who has flirted in the past with a presidential run of his own, would be perhaps the safest choice for Trump given his popularity among conservatives and his experience in government.

Trump, a New York businessman who only got into politics a year ago, is looking for an experienced politician to round out his ticket, and Pence, Christie and Gingrich have the necessary experience.

"Throughout history vice presidential selections seldom make much difference in the election. Because Trump has never held office and people are anxious to see how he would assemble a government, this pick might get more attention than usual," said Republican strategist Charlie Black.

"Pence would be a very good pick from the standpoint of having federal and state government experience, and also he has been a card-carrying member of the conservative movement his whole life," Black said.

Trump has campaigned with Pence, Christie and Gingrich in recent days as he girds for perhaps the most consequential decision of his campaign ahead of the Nov. 8 election.

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Pence introduced Trump at the campaign rally in Westfield on Tuesday evening, and during his speech, Trump teased the possibility of picking Pence.

"I don't know if he's going to be your governor or your vice president," Trump told the rally. Who the hell knows?"

Trump is to be formally nominated at the Republican National Convention next week in Cleveland. Traditionally, the vice presidential running mate choice is used to build enthusiasm among party loyalists.

Trump knows Pence less personally than Gingrich and Christie, who have been vital behind-the-scenes advisers to the candidate. If Trump settled on Pence, both Gingrich and Christie would likely end up with senior positions in a Trump administration.

Pence has had his share of problems as Indiana's governor. He was forced to abandon plans last year to create a state-run, taxpayer-funded news service in his state after coming under criticism for the move.

He also drew fire last year for signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which critics said could allow businesses to refuse to serve gay and lesbian patrons. After an outcry and the threat of boycotts, he signed a revised version of the legislation.

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