Daniels appears at Republican dinner

CARMEL, Ind. (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels is rallying Republicans with a rare appearance that may have violated his pledge not to engage in political events or commentary.

Daniels got a standing ovation at the Indiana Republican Party's fall dinner Monday as he reflected on eight years in office and praised Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence.

Daniels pledged when he accepted the job of president of Purdue University he would recuse himself from "any partisan political activities or commentary." He says Monday's dinner appearance didn't violate that pledge because he didn't ask for any votes or directly support any candidates in the room. Pence also attended the dinner.

Daniels sidestepped commenting on Senate candidate Richard Mourdock's recent remarks about rape and abortion by saying to do so would violate the pledge.