The Star Press: Pence Visits Muncie

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The Star Press: PENCE VISITS MUNCIE

About 50 people showed up for Tuesday's early morning town hall, and some did talk about issues dear to Pence.

Bill Smith, a businessman and administrator of the Muncie Sanitary District, lauded Pence for his opposition to amnesty for immigrants.

"I think we need legal immigration and it has to be controlled," said Smith, who, like Pence, had Irish immigrant grandparents.

Terry Poole, a self-employed businessman, recalled how Pence said U.S. troops were doing so well in Iraq in 2006, only to see dozens of servicemen killed each month since the surge and continued bombings in Baghdad and other cities.

"I feel things are not going right," Poole said, asking whether Pence had changed his stance on the war.

Pence said he shared some concerns of Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., who has talked about changing tactics and redeploying troops.

"We are committed in seeing freedom succeed in Iraq," said Pence, who plans to return to Iraq this summer.

Kathryn Kennison, whose son recently served in Iraq, spoke out in support of Pence's stance, saying, "Absolutely, we have to win."

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