Surprises for Pence in shift to executive branch

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Surprises like the story of Dani the deer are more likely to crowd Gov. Mike Pence's time now that he's left a Congress where he had more freedom to choose which issues he would tackle.

Pence has tried to stick close to the tight script use used in his campaign since taking office. But the national outcry over a Connersville couple who faced jail time for rescuing an injured deer showed the new governor he can't plan for everything.

Pence was forced to address the deer case and defend the Department of Natural Resources in a news conference where he introduced his pick to run the embattled Department of Child Services.

House Minority Leader Scott Pelath says Pence's honeymoon period will end soon as more distractions occur at the Statehouse.