WASHINGTON _ Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence said on Tuesday that a Donald Trump presidency would sync up with House Republicans' agenda, adding Americans should expect the GOP to keep control of the House and Senate if the billionaire wins the White House.
The former six-term House member and current Indiana governor was joined by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Calif., following what many described as a positive meeting with members of the House GOP at the Republican National Committee.
Pence said Ryan's rebukes of Trump for some controversial statements would not complicate efforts to present a united GOP front. Pence said he believed Trump's "Make America Great Again" mantra fell in line with the House's agenda.
"My and Donald Trump's appreciation for Paul Ryan is boundless," Pence said.
Ryan, for his part, highlighted his friendship with Pence and put a spotlight on him becoming vice president. He didn't explicitly advocate for a Trump presidency.
With Pence on the Republican ticket, Ryan said, "we feel the wind in our backs."
House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said Pence received an "enthusiastic response" from members of the House GOP caucus when discussing Trump.
"He talked about the man himself and why he believes that Donald Trump would make a great president," the Washington Republican told Roll Call. "He gave us insights into the process in which he got selected and through that how he got to know Donald Trump and believes that he's a good man."
Pence said he didn't know Trump before becoming his running mate but has gotten to know the billionaire and his family, Rep. Peter King told reporters.
"He vouched for him," the New York Republican said.
King said that National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., spoke during the meeting about down ballot races, saying that polls show the top of the ticket "is having no negative impact and in some cases a positive impact," King said.
There was little mention of House or Senate races other than Walden's remarks, members who were present said.
Pence mentioned House Republicans' "A Better Way" plan and how Trump wants to work with members of Congress that Pence knows and trusts, Rep. Thomas Massie said.
"There was some connective tissue that I haven't seen before," the Kentucky Republican said.
Rep. David Brat, R-Va., said there was a "lot of faith talk, lot of Americana talk" and emotions surrounding Pence's history on the House.
