Political Notebook - The blog

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Is Zoeller independent?

Zoeller

Gov. Mike Pence showed off his new cabinet Wednesday to reporters -- with one interesting addition.

Seated a few chairs down from the governor at the table was Attorney General Greg Zoeller -- a seperately-elected statewide office holder.

He didn't say anything but he even had a placard in front of him. And while he was at the table, other executive-branch appointees were relegated to chairs behind the governor.

It is unclear why Zoeller rated an invite but not the state's other four elected officeholders -- Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Auditor Tim Berry, Treasurer Richard Mourdock and Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz

Pence Press Secretary Kara Brooks was asked specifically about why Zoeller was invited and if the other office holders were as well.

Her response avoided the question, simply saying Zoeller "attended today's cabinet meeting to meet the agency heads and so that they could meet him as well."

Brooks also ignored a follow-up email asking again whether the other office holders were invited or not.

To contact Niki Kelly email her at nkelly@jg.net or follow her on Twitter @nkellyatJG

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